by PamelaRose » Jul 10, 2004 12:16 pm
Hi, Steph, and congratulations on the new pregnancy. I'm sorry to hear you're struggling right now--HG is never a pleasant wake-up call! We've got a few military wives here who've navigated that care system, so don't despair.
HG takes many forms--some women vomit nonstop, others vomit occasionally, and some face mostly debilitating nausea. The clinical definition has nothing to do with the amount of nausea or vomiting; instead, it's diagnosed by weight loss and ketonesis. If you're feeling weak and dizzy and dry-mouthed, please have your ketones tested. This is a simple urine test that measures protein in your urine. As your body dehydrates, it starts to break down muscle to feed itself, and that's where the ketones are spilled. If you're spilling ketones, it means you have to get fluids. That's a scary proposition the first time around, but it really will make you feel so much better. Either call your doctor's office and tell them you need an appointment right away to check for dehydration, or go to the ER and tell them that you need your ketones checked and possibly fluids. It is best to be proactive here; the longer you wait, the longer the rehydration course and the greater chance of harm to your baby.
There are many medications that HGers use to help control their symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet at this point, but there are many options to make you feel better. Zofran is the most commonly used, and if you're stateside it's probably readily available to you. Phenergan and Reglan are also commonly used; many women find that a combination of a couple meds works best for them. The most important step is finding a doctor who understands HG and is willing to work with you. Keep calling and pestering until you get results--you have every medical reason to be worried about yourself and your pregnancy.
As far as the baby goes, he or she is just fine in there. It seems impossible, but your starvation and dehydration really doesn't affect that baby at all in these early weeks. They really are little parasites, and your body is putting the baby first and is depleting its stores to keep the baby going. But it's up to you to keep yourself going, and for that you must demand medical care. If your doctor won't listen, drag yourself into the ER and park it there until you're taken seriously. This is not in your mind, and it's not going to go away or get better without medical intervention.
Let me know if you need anything else; we've got a great 1st Trimester forum here with women at the same stage you're at, and they'll have great ideas and support and you talk to your doctors. I'd be happy to set you up with someone to talk to from your area, so just e-mail me and let me know if this interests you. Hugs, and best wishes - You are absolutely not alone!
Pamela
4-Time HG Survivor
*Brody (8-11-98 )
*Avery (1-24-01)
*Reilly (12-16-02)