Feature Photo Credit – Rizalie Foster
For many Hyperemesis Gravidarum is nothing more than a couple of big words but for the woman experiencing it these words are the name of a condition that can spell months of misery throughout pregnancy.
The first time my doctor mentioned Hyperemesis Gravidarum I insisted that there was absolutely no way I could have it. I had read about it and I knew for sure that it was something I did not want. Sure, I had been throwing up constantly, all day every day and I’d lost a lot of weight but I was only two months into my pregnancy, and throwing up when pregnant is normal right? Just like in the movies…
Months later when I was well and truly into my second trimester constant vomiting and nausea had become so much a part of my reality that I could hardly remember what life without vomiting was like. I carried plastic bags with me at all times, slept with a bucket beside my bed and didn’t return to my pre pregnancy weight (which was very low anyway) until I was eight months pregnant. The vomiting was so severe I was hospitalised twice.
My baby is six months old now but I can still remember how debilitating and upsetting this condition was for me when I had it. So you may ask why have I titled this post ‘An Appreciation’? Surprisingly looking back I can see that there were many reasons to appreciate Hyperemesis Gravidarum and all it showed me. I’ve listed a few below:
- My hyperemesis (which is just a fancy word for lots of vomiting) was triggered whenever I reacted to something, be it a smell, a movement, or even a conversation. It was my body’s way of showing me how sensitive I am and how much more love and understanding I needed to bring to myself.
- My body was able to let go of a lot of toxins through the resulting weight loss and I have no doubt this protected the baby I was carrying.
- I was forced to love and accept myself in a way I hadn’t been inspired to previously.
- Support flowed to me through many channels and I allowed myself to surrender to love and be vulnerable with others.
- It forced me to be present with my body, rest and pay more attention to the way I moved.
- Funnily enough constant vomiting supported me to develop a much healthier relationship with food. I discovered that I had beliefs that certain foods were ‘good’ and others were ‘bad’ but I was forced to let go of this and simply respond to what my body asked for. I went a whole week eating nothing but jelly at one point and had no judgment about it whatsoever. It was great and I continue to build on this new foundation.
For anyone that is currently suffering with this condition there are a few things that were a huge support to me that I’d love to share with you.
Oh my – I feel like this modality saved my life when I was in the thick of it. I can honestly say that had I not had the benefit of Chakra-Puncture sessions I would have spent months in hospital – not days. Chakra-Puncture supported my body to rest when I needed it most. I cannot recommend it enough. Click on the link for more info about this incredible modality.
- Medical support and Medication
I took Ondansetron throughout my pregnancy. It’s a drug normally used by chemotherapy patients to stop nausea but women often use it during pregnancy to support with sickness. It worked really well in my body and brought the nausea down to a more manageable level so I could work. It isn’t covered by the PBS in Australia which makes it quite expensive but you can claim rebates through some private health funds.
- Support from Others
This condition is no joke. Before medical intervention it was the most common cause of maternal death during pregnancy. Let people support you and embrace the opportunity to let other people in.
There are a few things I wish I could do differently when I was suffering with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. For one, I would tell myself to go see a really good gentle chiropractor. I recently went to see a chiropractor who was able to feel and identify the physical causes of my vomiting and nausea during pregnancy. I have no doubt that had I seen this woman while I was pregnant I would have had a huge reduction in symptoms.
Most of all I would tell myself that this situation will pass. Once that baby is in your arms you know it was all part of the package, and yes it is worth it. The vomiting? Its over! And there is still so much to appreciate.
Highly Recommended Further Reading
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