Kiddipedia
When you are in the very depths of HG or severe NVP it can seem like surviving from one minute to the next is impossible. If you’re suffering early in your pregnancy you may ask yourself how you can possibly keep this up for days, weeks or months. The next hour may stretch out before you like an eternity and your mind may go to some pretty dark places. We’ve been exactly where you are right now, and we know the things you’re thinking – how helpless you feel, how much you wish someone could just come in and end it all for you, and how utterly terrified you are of the future.
Friends and family often comment to us that they don’t know how we managed to survive vomiting for as long as we did. And survive is the perfect word to use in this situation. When you live with HG for any amount of time you go completely into survival mode. No matter your responsibilities at work or home, or how many people are relying on you, the only thing you can focus on is getting to the next minute, and then the next one and the one after that.
If you wanted us to give you some advice on how to survive, this would be it. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Don’t think about tomorrow, or next week or three months down the track. Stay in the now, and do what you need to do to get you from now to five minutes from now. There is no right or wrong way to cope with this – just do or don’t do whatever works from you.
We’ve rounded up some top tips from survivors to help get your through and, as always, we’re here if you need us.
Frozen drinks can be your saviour! – Amber
Seek medical attention, don’t wait till you are completely dehydrated – Amy
Have good support – both at home and medically – Jen
It will end – Felicity
Fluids are your friend – get the drip! – Abbey
Think about the end result; Take the help when it’s offered; and don’t be afraid to seek medical attention when it’s needed! Hydration is the key – Kerry
You don’t always have to be grateful that it isn’t worse – Abbey
Even though you may not be able to see it – there is light at the end of the tunnel – Angela
If you are questioning that you need to go to the hospital, you should have already gone!
You are strong, powerful and can get through this – Letetia
Be kind and gentle to yourself. You will enjoy food again – Rozanne
It will all be worth it, I promise – Krista
6-8 months of hell for a lifetime of happiness – Victoria-Jayne
Find out about medications and push for them! – Elle
Find a doctor who understands and will support you! Nothing worse than not having medical support in such a challenging and life-threatening pregnancy – Sahra
Find a really informed and passionate GP – Samantha
Don’t be too proud, take the help when offered – Kim
Focus on preserving as much of your mental health as you can, it will get you through each day and help you recover – Jess
Get your medication worked out early, talk to your doctor and if they don’t listen look for another. Take it easy and try to let your body grow your baby house chores etc. can wait. – Natalie
Find your people, a good support network is essential – Samantha
Take one day at a time..even one hour at a time when in the death zone – “this too shall pass”. – Sinead
Get free sick bags from the emergency room and carry them with you – Meredith
Even on your darkest days, there’s still a little light knowing this doesn’t last – Danielle
Don’t listen to the opinions of people who have never had HG in relation to what will ‘fix’ it! – Jess
Be prepared. Have your team. Take care of yourself. When all else fails…. frozen coke – Karen
Frozen coke and cheeseburgers. Trust me – Chantel
Say no and don’t feel guilty about it, now is the time to put yourself first – Megan
Get medicated and ask for help – Jo
You’ll never no the strength of an HG survivor until you have gastro for 40 weeks straight – Jeanine
Be gentle with yourself, you’re doing the best you can, you’re growing life, and that’s amazing! – Ebony
Try not to worry about food/eating – focus on getting enough fluids – Lizzy
It’s absolutely worth it!!! – Anna
Do what you need – surround yourself with people who get this and will support you – even if that means you’re living off cola and doughnuts! – Emily
Jelly counts as fluid! – Kimberley
Let go of all expectations, you’re doing the best you can to keep yourself alive and that’s all that matters. And drink more frozen coke – Rebecca
Seek the help of a professional to help with any mental side effects – Caity
Don’t feel guilty about putting yourself first, you do what you need to do to survive it – Sabrina
Do whatever it takes to get through – regardless of what anyone says – Candice
The mental toll can be as hard as the physical toll. Ask for help – Janine
You can, and will get through this, you are so much stronger than you know and please trust me when I say it is absolutely worth every single horrible moment – Kelly
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, You’re not a burden, take all the help you can get – Jess
You’re both a priority, accept any and all help and get your partner to be your voice and go with you to your appointments. Let them be strong for you – Kylie
Hospital visits go sooner rather than later u feel brand new after a few bags of fluid – Karolina
It’s okay to need medication and ask for it. Don’t just come off your medication because you have had a good day/week because we’ve all made that mistake before and its usually not great afterwards – Jayme
For the survivors of multiple HG pregnancies: the guilt that you feel now about not being there for your children will be replaced by joy and pride when you give them the best gift in the world, a little brother or sister – Kristine
Find a support group, research, find a good local doctor, get help, get medications, find personal support, try to minimise the guilt, put yourself first and most of all survive – Zoe
You can do this. “Normal” life goes out the window & that is ok. You are not alone, there are so many dealing & surviving HG every day. Reach out to them. YOU ARE a SUPERWOMAN! – Michelle
Don’t let anyone make you feel bad, what you are doing is worth it in the end – Kell
Keep your support team close and don’t be afraid to ask for help – Stephanie
Don’t rely on your doctor to know what to do. Join as many support and info groups as you can. That’s where the real knowledge is – Cicily
Be proactive with your medication and no longer than 24hrs without food or water get IV fluids – Melinda
One minute at a time! – Yvonne
Take the drugs, your baby needs you to – Mara Anne
You don’t need a Pinterest Nursery set up before the baby is born. You’ll need nappies, a car seat, and a safe place for baby to sleep. Everything else will be easier to do with a newborn than with HG – Lizzy
Don’t feel embarrassed to ASK FOR HELP. It is not all in your head it is a chronic illness – Rachel
Premade Dutch chocolate Sustagen is your best friend – Nerissa
Get on top of it early and seek regular IV hydration! – Lisa
