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• June 27, 2010 12:27 a.m.

  I'm 13 weeks into this and haven't had a day of peace in over 7 weeks (it was 7 weeks this past Thursday, yes, I'm keeping count). I've been nauseated and throwing up to the point of going in for weekly IVs for 5 weeks now. I couldn't wait to get pregnant and now that I am, I'm miserable and wonder how some women manage to have baby after baby! My poor husband has already succumbed to the idea that this might truly be our only child. My family and friends miss the old me; I miss the old me! The doctors and nurses keep telling me this stage will end soon, but these days seem never-ending. I wake up and dry-heave, I eat and throw it up, then I dry-heave some more and the cycle continues through my work day, and all the way until I get to bed. I start my day thinking I can't wait to come home and get back in bed at the end of my shift. I'm out of sick time or I'd stay in bed! I've tried all the remedies that have been recommended and then some... -Zofran (almost made it worse with the icky taste) -suppositories (work some days, but only for a couple of hours, and then won't work again for a few days) -ginger ale, ginger snaps, ginger tea -preggie pops -pedialite (in all forms) -peppermint tea -crackers AGH! I have managed to have a few half-good days so I've gained 4 pounds and my ultra sounds show the baby is healthy so far, which gives me peace of mind. But I'm getting really tired of trying to hold down anything... from Ensure to a piece of peanut butter toast.

  - Kim

• June 9, 2010 8:52 a.m.

  I'm 29, this is my first pregnancy, and I'm in my 8th week. My nausea was tolerable until this week. I wake at 5am for work so have found a snack at bedtime and eating immediately when I wake (egg beaters seem to stick with me) gets me through the first few hours. Around 9 I feel the urge to dry heave and my stomach starts gurgling. Try chamomile-ginger instead of straight ginger tea. Milder and with a touch of splenda actually tastes good. Peanut butter sticks to your guts and a spoonful is a good way to coat the stomach. As for Preggy Pops...it depends on the flavor. The more sour they are the more they seem to work. Good luck girls!

  - Liesa

• May 1, 2010 12:40 p.m.

  This is my 5th pregnancy and they each got progressively worse. I am twelve weeks and on Zophran and still am sick. About 2:00 each day I start going down hill until I just have to grit my teeth and go to bed around 6:30. I am 40, teach full time and miserable. Why does the zophran quit working at around 3:00. I take it at 8mg at 7:30 and another 8mg at 1:30 or 2:00. Any suggestions?

  - Sue

• April 7, 2010 3:19 p.m.

  I enjoyed your site Meredith. You have a way of putting things. Of course brushing and flossing can be a problem with nausea and vomiting. The Flinstone chewables are good as long as the Folic Acid is used also. I think it must be very maddening when you feel like life is anything but normal and someone is telling you the sickness you are experiencing is normal. I suppose it could be called abnromally normal. It is hard not to worry about the baby though. Lucky for us, nature is wise and our bodies take good care of the baby during this difficult time. Just keep taking your folic acid and add the vitamins when you can. I hope Jennifer that your nausea is geting better now.

  - Mary @ Mayo

• April 6, 2010 8:44 p.m.

  The nausea was so hard! I chronicled the way I coped here: http://churchchomp.wordpress.com/2008/08/06/a-personal-compendium-of-nausea-related-policies-coping-mechanisms-and-fun-facts/

  - Meredith

• April 6, 2010 8:42 p.m.

  I chronicled my coping mechanisms here: A Personal Compendium of Nausea Related Policies, Coping Mechanisms, and Fun Facts

  - Meredith

• February 14, 2010 11:47 p.m.

  I am 7weeks pregnant I am so sick all the professionals say it is normal I cant see how it is when Im not able to keep anything down even my prenatle vitumins I'm scared my baby is going to be in harm every time I mention it to my dr I get the same answer"nothings wrong this is normal during the first trimester " I truly dont beleave them I know my body I've been pregnant three other times I have three little girls I have never ever been this sick

  - Jennifer

• February 1, 2010 3:59 p.m.

  Hi ladies, I commented on Dec 22 about having HG in my first pregnancy, and--surprise--I'm having a repeat performance! The difference this time? A PICC line, IV Zofran and Prilosec! If Zofran has not worked for you orally, don't give up hope. I just had a PICC line put in (that's a kind of long-term IV catheter that goes from your arm over your heart) and suddenly the Zofran works well! What a difference. If your doc recommends a PICC line and you feel scared, I totally understand. I thought it would be a terrifying experience with lots of pain. The truth? It ONLY hurt when they gave my arm the numbing prick. Seriously. It was easier than getting an IV put in, and now I'm getting wonderful relief. Hang in there ladies. There's a baby on the way!

  - Joy

• January 30, 2010 2:14 a.m.

  iam 8 week pregnant and i feel too much nausea and i cant eat any thing properly iam afraid it harm to my baby,s growth idont know what to do

  - huma

• January 6, 2010 8:08 p.m.

  I too am expecting my 3rd child. I have been sick since about week 4. I am only 29 years old, but it seems the older I get the sicker I am. My doctor gave me a prescription for Promethazine-25mg and also recommended the Unisom/B6. It just seems to make me drowsy and nauseated. Ladies-the ginger is hard to stomach--and it is an acquired taste. I found something 3 yrs ago, (when I was pregnant with my son), called Queasy Pops at a local maternity store. There were 3 flavors, which were ok, but the product was high in sugar. My answer for this time of nausea and vomitting-small meals, higher protein and water. It is difficult to keep some foods down, but I have just learned that if it does not stay down I am not going to eat it again. I am hoping that my nausea goes away by week 16. And this is definitely my last!! I love my kids, but I would rather enjoy my time with them, instead of being camped out in bed or stuck on the couch being unable to work, cook or even play with them!

  - Andrea

• December 30, 2009 2:39 a.m.

  P.S. - Just took the test (a few days early) and it showed positive instantly! :) Still a bit worried that the sickness started so early... (see below)

  - Julia

• December 29, 2009 4:52 p.m.

  During my first pregnancy (3 years ago) I was sick 24h a day from week 6 to week 13. My Doctor prescribed me Zofran but I only took it a couple of times, because it gave me migraines. One day I woke up feeling fine, and felt great for the rest of my pregnancy. My period is not even due yet and I am pretty sure I am pregnant again. 15 days after my last period I woke up feeling sick, 2 days after that I was vomiting and feeling nausea all day. It's now day 24 and the nausea keeps getting worse, my belly is hard and larger, my nipples are bigger and my breasts are sore, just like last time I was pregnant, just earlier, much earlier! I read the earliest the pregnancy sickness starts is when implantation occurs, and that left me a bit worried - ectopic pregnancy? - But it's good to know some women do feel sick before the 6 weeks.

  - Julia

• December 23, 2009 11:19 a.m.

  I am nine weeks currently and am thankful for a winter break. I can barely move from the couch and am forced to retreat to bed by 6pm. I had extreme vomiting with my first pregnancy and this time around almost feels worse. I have already lost fifteen pounds and have been hospitalized once. I fear I may have to be again. Everything I read about morning sickness does not work and unfortunately, neither does Zofran. The doctors aren't giving me anything else because I am still early. I know the baby is fine, my first came out over nine pounds and perfect. However, I am getting worried about how I am going to get through. It is really tough on my family. It is nice to know that there are others out there that have/had this hard of a time. Thanks and good luck!

  - Megan

• December 22, 2009 10:23 a.m.

  Hi ladies! I was diagnosed with hyperenemis gravidarum in my first pregnancy, so I really do know what you're going through. Wow - words cannot describe how truly horrible you feel in the midst of it. I remember feeling ambivalent toward my baby because I was so miserably sick. I had been looking forward to the joy of pregnancy and instead felt like I could barely survive from minute to minute. Here's how I coped: rx medication, non-stop snacking, fresh air...but the most important thing was DISTRACTION. If I got my mind deeply involved in a book, conversation, etc., the time became tolerable. I had to admit I felt awful and then DECIDE to think about something -- anything! -- other than how I felt. I had to take my whole focus and plunge it elsewhere. I wrote letters to my baby which I treasure today. Did tons of journaling. Reading the Psalms was great...watching videos of good inspirational speakers...listening to a friend...laughing. Honestly, that was my lifeline. The good news is the moment that baby is born all of the misery truly goes away! I know this sounds trite, but hold on to that thought. The misery really will come to an end and having a child is a delight. Good luck everyone. You are strong -- this will make you stronger -- and you can do it.

  - Joy

• November 5, 2009 2:16 p.m.

  It is good to hear some alternates to ginger, ginger, and more ginger. I am 7.5 weeks and gradually getting more nauseous each day. Luckily I am able to keep food down, but feel like running to the bathroom every 10 minutes. It is so deceptive; one morning I will feel great only to be sidelined around 10am, then the next day I will feel horrible from the time I wake up until 5pm. I think the most frustrating part is not being able to "fix" it. Maybe I will go buy one of the neausea bracelets. - Warm wishes to all of you!

  - Lacey

• October 18, 2009 7:15 p.m.

  i am looking forward to trying some of these remedies. i have gotten progressively sicker since 5 weeks. i am about 7.5 weeks now and am so sick all day. i haven't thrown up because i try very hard not to with deep breathing, but constantly feel like i am going to. the nausea this pregnancy has been severe and i don't know how i'm going to make it through the next weeks. my husband is not very understanding and he seems to think it's not as bad as it really is. it is so nice to know there are others going through the same horrible time and it isn't just me- it can make you feel so alone. thank you for the suggestions, a couple i've tried to no avail but i will be trying others! with hope & thoughts for the rest of you.

  - raquelle

• October 12, 2009 5:32 p.m.

  I am 34 years old and this is my first pregnancy. I am at about Week #6 and have experienced severe nausea, vomiting 2-3x/day and lost close to 10 lbs so far in only two weeks. It is horribly debilitating and I spend most of the day in bed or curled over the toilet - not a pretty sight! It was a shock, for me and for my poor husband, as niether of us expected any of this! I really thought that morning sickness meant feeling nauseas in the morning or at night, but not ALL DAY! Yesterday I reached my wits end and had an exceptionally bad day. At 12 midnight, I broke down and had my husband pick up a prescription that my doctor had given me for Zofran. (I was trying to resist taking medication.) It is a small pill frequently used for chemo patients to subdue nausea. Surprisingly enough it smells and tastes good as it dissolves on your tongue, which is how this pill has to be taken. And as I am sure many of you other pregnant women know NOTHING smells good!! The smell of my deodorant bothers me so much that I have to keep my arms down. The smell of my shampoo in the shower when I am washing my hair smells like urine to me. And of course any strong food cooking smells have to be kept to a dull roar. Anyway, I digress, to make a long story short, the Zofran has worked very well for me. I took one last night and a second one as soon as I woke up this morning at 7a.m. and today has been a much, MUCH better day for me. :-)

  - Barbara

• October 8, 2009 6:32 p.m.

  I am 9 weeks, this is my third pregnancy. my first 2 pregnancys were 15 yrs ago. i'm 38 and sick as a dog! I never felt this sick with my first 2 pregnancy's . It is all can do to get through the day! I'm not thowing up, but I feel like i could at any minute! All Day!!! I tell my husband that i feel like I have the flu all day every day! He has been cooking for the family because i can't stand the smell of food cooking!!! AHHH I hope it eases off in the second trimester....I can't handle this for much longer. I eat plain popcorn with salt to get through. I'm usually very upbeat. I wish I could function like my usual self. A Bit depressed

  - Faith

• October 3, 2009 12:25 a.m.

  To treat my nausea I'm taking a combo of 25mg Doxylamine succinate (Unisom TABLETS) with 50mg of vitamin B6 every night before bed. Of coarse, talk to your Dr. first. This combo is sold in Canada as the drug Diclectin and is prescribed specifically for woman with nausea & vomiting in pregnancy. Not available to us in the USA. The Unisom/B6 combo is a life saver for me. I was close to HG with my first pregnancy. With the Unisom / B6 combo, I'm queasy most of the time, but am able to keep down 99% of what I eat. I I also try to watch my diet. I avoid dairy (specifically yogurt & ice cream, pudding, etc.), most sweets, black pepper & anything spicy. I noticed that these foods always irritate my bowel and cause more severe nausea until I, um, pass them. Hope this helps someone. =)

  - Karen

• October 1, 2009 10:24 a.m.

  Headaches are just awful, maybe worse when pregnant because the medications available are less. I am including a link to our page about headaches and pregnancy. I hope it will help. I'm sure that there is something that can help your daughter-in-law. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/headaches-during-pregnancy/AN01870

  - Mary @ MayoClinic.com

• September 26, 2009 9:11 p.m.

  My daughter in law has frequent migraines and is now 8 weeks pregnant. She hasn't had morning sickness, but has had 1-2 migraines each week now that results is 3-4 bouts of vomitting. Her first OB visit is another 10 days away and she was told to take Tylonol...but that does nothing for the migraines and she usually throws it up. Is there anything safe to take for the migraines during pregnancy? Right now she tries to sip gingerale but I'm afraid she'll get dehydrated. It doesn't stay down either.

  - Pat

• September 18, 2009 11:57 a.m.

  Wow, it is good to know I'm not the only one. I'm 8 weeks now, and I am nauseous all day, everyday. I eat high protein and carbohydrate foods before I get up and throughout the day, because an empty stomach makes it worse. I'm currently trying all the ginger stuff I can get my hands...so far no success. I think I will have to try rx meds. I can't go anywhere or do anything, I just lie around feeling like I've been food poisoned. Food makes me sick, no food makes me sick, thinking about food makes me sick, certain color patterns make me sick...ugh. I just want this to end!

  - Kathleen

• August 5, 2009 8:32 a.m.

  ANTI-NAUSEA BRACELETS. $13-ish. They work by triggering a pressure-point on your wrists. You get relief in 2-5 min and can wear them for an unlimited time. I swear by them.

  - Jeri

• July 25, 2009 11:29 p.m.

  This is my 6th pregnancy, and it just gets worse each time. The things I've found to help are the Chinese dried plums that are a little sweet and sour. They help a lot with the nauseous feeling and upset stomachs. I've also found that eating small snacks throughout the day helps a lot. Good luck.

  - Joyce

• April 25, 2009 5:37 p.m.

  This is my 3rd pregnancy and I can say my 1st was great never had morning sickness my 2nd I had some and this one never seems to let up. I am about 6 weeks and I feel like I have a constant stomach ache. I hate it. Everything makes me sick so I have been doing research to see what helps. My doctor gave me a list of things that I can try for nausea so I am going to try one thing at a time. I have come to the conclusion that every one is different and you just need to find what works for you. You best bet talk to your doctor if natrual remedies dont work then prescriptions might. I just know I want to get better.

  - No name given