This week has been another struggle with HG (hyperemesis gravidarum). I struggled to keep food or drink down for a couple of days and decided to go to the doctors to see if there was anything I could do to ease my symptoms. I had 4+ ketones in my urine and was told I needed to go straight to the hospital to be put on a drip as, for the second time, I was showing signs of severe dehydration and malnutrition. This was all at about 10.30am, I had Harry with me and struggled to find childcare so I could get to the hospital. Eventually Alistair managed to get home from work and at about 3pm I got to the hospital to be told that I was being kept in overnight and needed to stay on a drip until I could keep food and drink down and the ketones were gone. Having a cannula fitted while you are dehydrated is horrible. (I mean it’s never fun is it?!) It’s harder for the nurses to find a vein and usually, for me at least, means being poked and prodded several times before it goes in successfully.
Once my cannula was fitted I was taken down to the maternity ward, to the same bed that I was in after I had Harry. I was put on the drip and given anti sickness injections before spending more time in a bed than I have in a very long time! By the time I left the next afternoon I was able to keep small amounts of food and drink down and felt a million times better than I did when I went in. I’m under strict instructions to take care of myself and not push myself too hard but slowing down isn’t something us mums tend to be good at is it?
I’m hopeful that this will be the last time I need hospital treatment for my pregnancy sickness but I’m quickly learning that HG is full of ups and downs and I’m just going to have to ride it out. Hopefully there will only be another 18 weeks to go and then I will be holding my beautiful daughter in my arms with this whole nightmare behind me.
If you are suffering with pregnancy sickness please don’t suffer alone. Pregnancy Sickness Support offer amazing advice and support to women, families, employers… everyone affected by HG. They’re well worth a phone call.
Weekly quiz
How far along? 22 weeks
How big is baby? Baby is the same size as a coconut
Weight gain/loss: I’ve only lost 1lb this week which I’m quite relieved at. I’m now just 3lbs below my booking weight.
Maternity clothes? Still wearing the same as last week, I don’t think my belly has grown much though and can’t see me getting my maternity tops out for a long time yet.
Stretch marks? Nope, not yet!
Sleep: I’ve been really tired a lot this week, probably because I’ve not kept much food or drink down so have less energy. I’m trying to let myself rest as much as possible after a week of being so ill.
Best moment this week: After spending a few days in hospital this week I had a burst of energy yesterday and we went to Cheshire ice cream farm. Harry loved it and it was just what we needed as a family.
Movement: I’ve felt proper little kicks this week that I can feel from the outside!
Food cravings: Salt and vinegar Pringles!!
Sickness: Hyperemesis gravidarum has completely changed my views on ‘morning sickness’ (ooh that phrase makes me angry these days) and made me certain that this is the last time I can go through pregnancy. I never could’ve imagined that pregnancy sickness could have such a huge affect on not only this pregnancy but on my family’s future too.
Have you started to show yet: Yes but I feel like my bump grows and shrinks depending on the day!
Belly Button in or out? In, it looks oddly wider though and a lot flatter.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Another week full of ups and downs.. I’m trying to stay positive though
Weekly Wisdom: Listen to your body and give it what it needs. I’ve known that I’ve needed to slow down and rest for a while but ignored the signs and ended up in hospital. I’m really trying to slow down this week and listen to what my body tells me.
Milestones: Not really a milestone I want to remember but I had my second hospital admission for HG this week.
Bump picture
