I lived through morning sickness the first time. And I had somehow convinced myself that it was all in my head. I swore that I wasn't going to get as sick, I couldn't get as sick. It just couldn't happen again.
And really, it didn't. Because this sickness was different. This sickness was debilitating.
With my first pregnancy, food helped. Keeping my blood sugar up helped. Throwing up first thing in the morning helped.
This time?
Don't.talk.to.me.about.food.
If I threw up, I wouldn't stop.
I could barely get out of bed kind of sick.
It was terrible. I spent a lot of time in prayer. And thankful for my good health.
Because there are people who feel like this all the time. I knew that this had to stop (eventually).
And, thankfully, it did.
Here's how I managed and what I learned along the way.
Nausea Wrist Bands
I remember one of my good friends in high school using these whenever we were on long trips in the car or a bus. And honestly? I thought that they were more of a placebo than anything else. More to calm your nerves.
But truly, they work. I walked/laid around with them on for 2 solid months.
(warning: they are a dead giveaway that you are pregnant)
Magnesium Supplement
After reading THIS article linking pregnancy illness with low magnesium levels, I spent a lot of time trying to up my stores of magnesium in an attempt to keep morning sickness at bay before conceiving. I was taking oral magnesium supplements, drinking bone broth and soaking in Epsom salt baths. I thought that I would be ok.
Unfortunately, I wasn't. (getting pregnant in the winter months means my vitamin D and magnesium levels were already running a little low)
I learned that the best way to increase your magnesium levels is through topical applications. It's how God intended our body's to absorb it, so naturally, that's going to be the best method.
Once I started using Magnesium Lotion, I saw an immediate difference.
Better sleep and less sickness. Thank the Good Lord!
I will sing the praises of this product over and over again. And I wish I had tried it so much sooner.
Bone Broths
This was the only thing that I could keep down most mornings. Plus, it's full of good magnesium and calcium; lots of good stuff for baby and mommy. Make a big batch to freeze ahead of time so that you have a big reserve to get you through the tough months.
Great recipe found HERE
Vitamin B6
A friend of mine is a former OB/GYN and gave me some tips/tricks for my sickness, Vitamin B6 being one of them. I wasn't able to stomach my liquid b complex, but I could take single pills of B6. 3 times a day (you need high doses). I really saw a difference with my energy levels once I started this therapy.
Protein Powder
Not being able to eat is not conducive to growing a baby. I couldn't keep much down. I couldn't take any of my supplements. I was worried.
Every morning, hubs would bring me a big thermos of almond milk and this protein powder. I settled my stomach and it gave me (some) of the nutrients that baby and I so desperately needed.
It's the best protein powder I've found on the market. It's full of good stuff and free of the bad.
Acupuncture Therapy
After a full day of vomitting and not keeping anything down, hubs got scared. Real.scared.
So he called the accupuncturist for an appointment first thing the next morning.
At that point my fear of needles was a moot point. I was more afraid of being admitted to the hospital to IV fluids.
And?
It worked.
For the first time I actually asked for food.
It was a miracle. It didn't make everything go away and it didn't last forever, but weekly appointments made a huge difference in my recovery.
What I Wish I Would Have Known:
- Magnesium Lotion- use it now and use it liberally
- Being Gluten free is difficult when it comes to being pregnant. A lot of the early cravings for bread/starches caused stomach upset. Udi's make's great gluten free products that are GMO free. Keep some in the fridge/freezer in preparation.
- Cook ahead of time. Even if you don't end up needing it, having leftovers that your family can easily prepare and feed themselves while your too sick to enter the kitchen can be a lifesaver for all involved.
My heart goes out to anyone who has been through it.
Just remember, it does get better eventually.
excellent post, wish we could share it with the world...I'm sure many women would appreciate these recommendations
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeje! I'm really hoping it helps someone out there not have to suffer as much as I did!
DeleteThank you so much for sharing this! I am in my first trimester and I am having to work from home in the mornings because I can barely function in the morning! I am waking up at 5am with "almost" throwing up pains...saltines and water helps when I feel this way also peppermint tea and ginger tea has been helping a bit. I am going to try the wristbands and lotion! thanks again! Erin
ReplyDeleteOh, Erin! My heart goes out to you! I'm hoping these remedies have helped and your sickness has started to subside. Congratulations on your beautiful blessing!
DeleteOh my goodness hopefully you start feeling better soon so you can start eating the good food again (although these are terrific supplements!). I used to drink flat sprite in my first trimester because I would feel nauseous in the mornings. Better luck in trimester two!
ReplyDeleteHi Erin! Yes! Feeling much better now and actually back in the kitchen cooking! Although, we'll see how long that lasts once the new arrival gets here..... :)
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