I fear that, like last time, no medicine will
work unless in conjunction with an IV. I am
even more scared that it might be even
worse than last time; a fact I know is entirely
possible. People try to reassure me, saying
that I might not have HG, but with the odds
stacked against me, I prepare for the worst.
What practical lessons did I learn last
pregnancy that I will take with me into
pregnancy number two?
As I lay on the floor after throwing up for
what must have been the fifteenth time that
day, I looked up at my husband with
desperate eyes. He had turned around from
his morning commute to work after I called
and begged for him to stay by my side. “Do
not ever let me have another baby,” I said
with the utmost urgency and seriousness. I
was exhausted—mentally, physically,
emotionally.
It’s that moment that sticks in my mind
almost two years later. My little Adelaide is a
happy, loving fifteen-month-old. She is more
than I ever expected or asked for in a little
bundle of joy. Now and then I catch “baby
fever”, but it is that moment of desperation,
lying on the bathroom floor that gives me
pause when thinking about baby number two.
1. Find a doctor with HG experience and stick
with them
The first half of my last pregnancy was spent
searching for a doctor or midwife that
understood me and what I was going
through. I want to go into my next
pregnancy knowing I have an advocate on my
side, willing to fight with and for me,
especially in regard to insurance coverage
and home health care.
2. Come right out of the gate with information
for family and friends
Knowing I have an official diagnosis will help
explain to family and friends exactly what is
going on. I intend to blog and post often
about my journey. I avoided that last time
because (other than the fact I couldn’t really
sit and type) I felt like I was a big baby about
morning sickness. After all, everyone goes
through it, right?
With my very last semester quickly
approaching, Jon, and I have begun to talk
about when, and even if, baby number 2 will
come. My eyes tear up even as I write this
thinking that I do not want to go through HG
again. I am scared. I am scarred.
2
5
3
Continued…