I’d do it ALL over again for you baby girl!

Adding to the list of things that are AWFUL to throw up… COFFEE. What else is on this list you ask? Well you probably didn’t ask, because you probably don’t care, but alas, you’re here… so I will tell you…

• Nachos
• Pasta with Red Sauce
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Oranges

I haven’t been formally diagnosed but after a ER visit and persistent vomiting past the first trimester – even on nausea meds, I 100% have Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) –

A severe type of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.Rarely, morning sickness is so severe that it’s classified as hyperemesis gravidarum. Symptoms include severe nausea and feeling faint or dizzy when standing. It can also cause persistent vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.This condition can require hospitalization and treatment with IV fluids and anti-nausea medications.

Having spent the last 15 weeks surviving HG, which 10/10 would do it all over again for baby girl, she is SO totally worth it and I choose JOY and to find the beauty of being pregnant since its something I have wanted my whole life. I have learned a couple things I felt compelled to pass on!

1. DRINK PEDIALYTE – not gatorade… Pedialyte is not only slightly better for you, but it truly hydrates you. Nausea is brought on by low blood sugar, which pedialyte balances. It ALSO, if you’re on zofran, helps lessen constipation… WIN
2. Whatever FOODs stay down… EAT THEM – it doesn’t matter if its the healthiest or unhealthy… if you find something that works for you and stays down, eat it. Its ok. HG is a beast and when you find foods that always stay down its a HUGE win. For me… Quesadillas & Peanut Butter Sandwiches always stay down so those are my go tos.
3. DIET COKE… – I have never been a soda drinker, in my entire life. Like I HATE it… as I got older, I would drink a fountain soda diet coke when I would drive but it was too late for coffee. But I have been CRAVING Diet Coke, which seems to be a common theme for HG mamas… not sure what it is, but it’s a godsend. Especially since ginger-ale was thrown up one too many times.
4. Give yourself some GRACE – Give yourself some grace mama! You are truly incredible and doing the best you can. Throwing up multiple times a day is exhausting, then you’re facing the fun dilemma of “I am hungry… should I eat or will this make me throw up more” – which is actually my FAVORITE GAME.
5. This is probably for the long haul – While most nausea and vomiting ends with the 1st trimester, HG doesn’t play that way… So you’re probably going to keep vomiting well into your second trimester, i’m only in my 20th week, so I can’t speak to 3rd trimester yet, but I’m guessing its here to stay. However the GOOD NEWS is it will be less frequent, but you will most likely still need to be on the medication & you will most likely still throw up occasionally.

Here is the BIGGEST lesson I’ve learned…

HG is HORMONAL… obviously as is most things with pregnancy! So when baby has a growth week, typically between 15-18 and 20-24 weeks, I find I get sick more those weeks because of the surge in hormones. Its how I know she’s having a grow spurt!

So sister, just know if you’re struggling with HG, you are NOT alone. You will get through it and this beautiful baby you’re growing is PERFECTLY healthy and getting everything she needs, even if you’re not!

Xoxo Mama – you got this!