What I've Learned The First Trimester

So, I've just made it past the 1st Trimester...at least some say 12 weeks is, and I'm taking it! With as much as I've been through over the last 8 weeks, just after finding out I was pregnant, I've earned it. I, just as many soon-to-be mothers come to realize, do not mesh well with being pregnant during the first early months. I'm one of those lucky ones to have so many horomones coursing through my body, that my body revolts. I had Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Since week 7 life was almost unbearable. I've screamed from the top of my lungs to God, wondering what I did to deserve getting so sick. Now I feel horrible because at least I know in about 6+ months I will have a bundle of joy to show for it. Whereas others that are truly SICK with a disease such as cancer aren't as lucky. I can only feel bad for pittying myself so much during this time and I do truly feel blessed to be as healthy as I am.

About a week after Thanksgiving I could no longer take it and I went into my OBGYN's office to see what could be done. Only minutes later I was hooked up to an IV getting fluids because I was so dehydrated. Add to that I had lost 5 pounds in 3 days and I was admitted. Foolishly I thought I'd be out in a day...add 3 more to that before I was released.

One could only hope that would be the end of this, but yet I had 5 more weeks to suffer...through nausea and the worst acid reflux I have ever experienced in my life (and I don't get heartburn EVER!) I pretty much missed Christmas. I had but a tiny tree that I had stuffed in the basement that I brought out Christmas Eve. Christmas is my favorite time of the year, but I hope to make up for it next year.

Gratefully I am coming out of the darkness (and 3 + weeks of missed work)...I have arrived to the lovely 2nd Trimester! Now I'm not completely 100%...the acid reflux is still ridiculous. I've come to realize just how much I love tomatoes when I'm not allow to have any. I even have a list of restaurants and foods that I want to eat once the acid reflux is done....just waiting for the day that I awake "burn free."

On to what I've learned...

1. Water can make you nauseous! If it does, stop drinking it! Jello and popsicles make a pretty good substitute. Play around with other beverages to see what your stomach can handle.
2. Research the medicines you are on...especially the instructions for taking it! I listened to the pharmacist when they said "take Nexium in the morning, about 30 minutes before eating." WRONGO, I just found out THIS WEEK after reading the actual Nexium label that was on and actual Nexium bottle that you should take it 1 HOUR before eating and not to eat until 1 HOUR afterwards. I've already noticed an improvement in a couple days; I can only wonder how much better I might have felt had I been following this recommendation weeks ago!
3. Whatever help someone offers...take it. If you have other children, pets, whatever and someone wants to watch them...accept the assistance.
4. Hyperemesis is covered by the FMLA Family & Medical Leave Act. I was never in jeapardy of losing my job, but I found it interesting that even for a few days at a time up to 12 weeks you are protection by FMLA and cannot lose your job.
5. The baby takes whatever nutrients it needs, from you. Don't be too concerned as you waste away. Of course if you are really sick, you need to keep in contact with your OBGYN.
6. Try not to worry so much about the medications your OBGYN might prescribe. As they told me "Do you really think we would prescribe medications that would harm the baby?" This I have to believe in.