Extreme Morning Sickness? Functioning While Suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum

In a previous article I wrote about Hyperemesis Gravidarum and tricks to controlling it. Hyperemesis is a condition that affects many pregnant women. It involves severe nausea and vomiting and causes the expectant mother to lose over 5% of her total body weight. Most suffering from hyperemesis know that controlling their nausea is not an easy feat. It's just not something that can be fixed with a snap of the fingers.

It's also not something one gets over after a couple of days or weeks of suffering. This usually lasts a minimum of a couple months if not the entire pregnancy. So you must find a way to go on, but how?

One thing that helped me a lot was lists. Make lists of what you want done each day. The most important thing is to prioritize them according to things that need to be done first and things that you want done second. Like dinner and laundry is ahead of gardening or cleaning out a closet. Of course the flowers and the clutter in the closet matter too but a good dinner and clothes for tomorrow are much more important.

When you wake and eat a bite take a look at your list. If you do nott have the energy or stomach to tackle task number one do what puts you at ease. Relax and wait for a moment where you can handle the task. Something that helped me was a timer. I would set it for 10 or 20 minutes and when it went off I would reevaluate how I felt and decide if I was able to tackle my list.

During your day you should have windows of time, sometimes few and far between, where you can get some food together, sort clothes, empty the dishwasher, whatever is a priority to you. Do not try to rush it though.

If all you can do right now is take the clothes from the bedroom to the laundry room then that is all that you should do. You do not need to load and start the dishwasher as soon as you empty it. Take a break, rest and try again when you are able. The important thing is to get a little bit done here and there and not feel overwhelmed by the mountain of work building.

Do not be afraid to ask for help. Even if you do not work and your partner does he should understand the affect hyperemesis is having on you and pick up some of your slack. Make a list of things you would like him to do when he gets a chance. Most men are happy to do this for the woman that is having their child.

Do not hesitate to call on others either. I am sure there are many people in your life that you would be there for if the roles were reversed. Ask them to pick up a few things for you while they are at the grocery store, come with you to the doctor's office, or whatever you need a little help with.

Family and friends are there to be your support when you need it. I'm not suggesting you take advantage of anyone. Just remember to treat them as you would want to be treated in a similar situation.

These are a couple of very simple ideas to get you through possibly the worst months of your life. They sound easy but they are not I know that for a fact. Prioritize your day and take it slow to accomplish important tasks and lean on the people close to you so you will not become overwhelmed with those tasks.