My First Mother's Day! (Well sort of...)

Thought I would show you the card I recieved today - such a surprise ;)

 

How Sweet!  

Hyperemesis Gravidarum - Mega Morning Sickness

Pretty much since day one the dreaded sickness has been lurking. Usually in the form of a distinct 'funny taste' in my mouth and a hasty run to the bathroom at 5am. Unpleasant, but manageable and little did I know what was coming...

Week 8 saw a distinct change in proceedings. A couple of nights without the sickness led me into a false sense of security. No sooner was I merrily thinking, 'Morning sickness? What a breeze' when BAM! I was hit by the most terrible nausea that lasted all day long. And I mean ALL DAY LONG. Sat down: felt sick, stood up: felt sick, ate: felt sick, didn't eat: felt sick.

There was one incident which is probably best forgotten- that of waiting for a tube on a crowded platform and suddenly battling the violent urge to throw up. Needless to say, it wasn't something I had any control over. The commuters were not impressed.

Week 9 was the killer (so far!) I got to a point, one night last week, where I couldn't keep anything down. Not even water. I became so crazed by the continual trip from bed to bathroom, that I set up camp next to the toilet. Things got so bad that I couldn't see straight - my head was banging and the dizziness was so intense that I collapsed in a heap on the floor.

I was admitted to hospital for three days. Diagnosis: Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Treatment: mounds of anti sickness pills, 7 horribly stingy injections in my butt and seven bags of IV fluid.  

All's well, that ends well.

Week 9 - Is that a BUMP?!

Is that a baby? Or just all that cake I've been eating...?

Length of Pregnancy: 9 weeks 6 days

Weight gained: 20lbs (started at 8 stone - now 9 stone 6!)

Mood: Feeling pretty happy considering all the physical complications! *** See below

Physical symptoms: SICK SICK SICK and bloated. And hellishly tired. Diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum and had to spend 4 days in hospital on an IV. Not ideal. (See upcoming post if you want to know all the drama!)

Cravings: When I'm not throwing up - carbs. Savoury things like bread, pasta & potatoes. Plus Marmite. 

Queasy or sick triggers:  Aversion to most things this week, but I can't stand being around cigarette smoke or anything that smells of meat.  

Missing: Never thought I'd say this, but running.

Best thing this week: All the times I'm not feeling or being sick! And of course, all the support I've had from my friends.   

Interesting fact: My baby is now almost 0.90 inch long from crown to rump, and weighs about 0.07 ounce.

Things learnt this week:  

1. That if I started off a bit underweight, I can expect to gain more than someone of average proportions. Supposedly 3-4 stone! 

2. In order to keep meals/fluid down, I need to sip water throughout the day, whilst eating little and often.

Things I'm looking forward to: Finding any groups/meet ups for those who are pregnant. 

What I've been eating this week: Goodies Mini Gingerbread Men

Just what the doctor ordered.

Now these bad boys are something else. They contain organic wholegrain flour and are sweetened only with organic grape juice. There are no artificial colours or flavours, no hydrogenated fat and no added salt. If that wasn't enough, they are, of course, ginger. And ginger, as I'm sure you already know, has been one of the most useful natural remedies for surviving morning sickness for donkeys years.

Although they are made for children (12m +) the mini bags contain more than enough as a little snack. In fact, they are the perfect amount to stave off those sick feelings without tipping you over the edge.

The only slight hesitation? I hate ginger. Luckily for me, these little biscuits aren't very gingery. And I figure that to get its healing properties I'll just have to eat more. No problemo!

First things First...

February 2012

The Seven Week Scan. 

After having a miscarriage last year, my doctor suggested it might be an idea to have an early ultrasound to ease the concerns that had begun to plague me.

What a funny little thing!

The relief I felt at having seen the little sprout with a strong heartbeat was indescribable...

I celebrated with a good few slices of marmite toast. (First craving!)

Nom Nom Nom!

A BABY is on the way!!!

Surprise!

I found out I was pregnant at 5 weeks and by goodness I was shocked.

I knew something wasn't right. Apart from the obvious absence of a period, the weeks leading up to buying a pregnancy test, I had become super sleepy all the time. Not to mention the carb cravings. And the piles of dirty dishes in my once spotless flat. And the frequent loo visits...Oh and the complete overwhelming sense of sickness I now felt at my daily cup of tea. 

I suppose I should have guessed sooner, but as I hadn't actively trying to conceive, it just didn't occur to me.

The day I found out...A tad panic stricken?!

A visit to the doctor confirmed that I was about to undertake one of biggest journeys of my life...