NOT just morning sickness

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. HG is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease. It is generally described as unrelenting, excessive pregnancy-related nausea and/or vomiting that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids. If severe and/or inadequately treated, it is typically associated with:

• loss of greater than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight (usually over 10%)
• dehydration and production of ketones
• nutritional deficiencies
• metabolic imbalances
• difficulty with daily activities

HG usually extends beyond the first trimester and may resolve by 21 weeks; however, it can last the entire pregnancy in less than half of these women. Complications of vomiting (e.g. gastric ulcers, esophageal bleeding, malnutrition, etc.) may also contribute to and worsen ongoing nausea.

There are numerous theories regarding the etiology of hyperemesis gravidarum. Unfortunately, HG is not fully understood and conclusive research on its potential cause is rare. New theories and findings emerge every year, substantiating that it is a complex physiological disease likely caused by multiple factors.

For more info: www.helpher.org

Good news is, I've read some research and they say to eat whatever you can, regardless of nutritional value. Basically that's because women with this can typically eat so little, so you want to take in whatever you can. So I have this freedom. Too bad I can't do much with it...

Bad news is, they think it gets worse with each pregnancy, and it's also damaging to the liver, which will only get worse the more you have it (obviously).

The new medicine I am taking - Zofran - is NOT working as well as we had hoped. I've spent the last two days that I have been on it camped out on the couch, able to eat very, very little. True, it's not as bad as no medicine, but I am definitely not up to doing anything or eating anything, and I feel like crap. We might have to speak with that again doctor before school starts...

Other good news is I have the most amazing husband ever. He takes such good care of me, not complaining at all (and even reassuring me when I start to feel guilty). He offers to go and get me anything I think I could eat or drink. He cooks and takes care of Camden, and is just the most awesome person on this earth. I don't know what I would do with out him, and I am so thankful I don't have to find out. He is my hero every day through all of this.