Severe Morning ( ALL DAY) Sickness Advice Needed

Updated on July 30, 2016
E.F. asks from Troy, MI
31 answers

Hi Everyone,
I am pregnant with my second child and this time around am having a really hard time with feeling nauseas all day long. The only thing that stays down is saltine crackers and ginger snaps. I have been sipping on ginger ale/coke also but I still seem to feel sick to my stomach. The other crazy thing is any smell makes me want to start dry heaving or throw up and even the picture of any foods, like looking at the ads yesterday I had to stop and if I am watching TV a food commercial makes me sick, even brushing my teeth, smell of the dishwasher, garbage, everything. Wondering if anyone else has had this as severe as I am and if you have any suggestions for me? It’s hard because my son is 18 months old and of course I need to make him food but every time I do I start gagging. Any suggestions? I am going to try ensure today for nutrients for the baby and pray it stays down and agrees with me. Again this didn’t happen with my other son. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks E.

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So What Happened?

Hi Everyone,
Thank you all so much for all your advice, I don't know what I would do without you. I have taken much of your advice and some has worked. I think I will call my doc Monday morning for the Zofran RX just to have on hand. It seems like smells are the worst now and really make me puke. With the foods I have figured out what to have and not, basically staying on dry toast, crackers, rice cakes, bran muffins, rice, pasta, fruits and that is about it. I have been drinking ensure for nutrients. I love the coke slurpees, I am making my own and popsicles seem to help, and pepperments don't leave home without them. Thanks again for everything, I know its all worth it in the end but its hard when your chasing a toddler around and feel like puking every second. Thanks again. E.

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K.H.

answers from Detroit on

I was very sick also, with my twin sons the first 41/2 months and the last trimester, I couldn't keep anything down. I always ate bananas and crackers and it seemed to work. Try that maybe.

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M.H.

answers from Detroit on

I lost a lot of weight (15-20 lbs) in the first trimester when I had my daughter. It was horrible, I couldn't even smell food. Later I found out it was probably hyperemesis gravidarum. Here is the website: http://www.hyperemesis.org/
It was such a relief to find that site and know I wasn't the only one. Luckily I didn't have it with my second pregnancy!

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V.G.

answers from Detroit on

Oh my gosh, E.. I was the same way with my second child. It was horrible because I was a full-time teacher, and then came home to my 1 year old, and the whole time I was so incredibly sick. I basically threw up until 5 months, but was pretty much nauseous the entire 9 months. Unfortunately, nothing seemed to work for me. The doctors even put me on nausea medicine that they give to cancer patients and that didn't even work. It was really strange. The only thing that did work was finally giving birth. The minute I had the baby, I was back to normal. Nevertheless, I gained weight through all of it and the baby was a very health 7 lbs. 15 oz. So don't worry about the baby, it is getting nutrition even if it doesn't seem like it. I know this doesn't necessarily help, but I just want to let you know that there are people out there who don't have wonderful, glowing pregnancies.

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J.C.

answers from Detroit on

My daughter in-law just went through the same thing. She is due in March. I know some people don't like medications but the is what she had to sort to because she was not gaining any wait etc. and has to work. The Doctor prescribed zofran and it was like a miracle drug.

She works at a grocery store so it was even harder for her she actually got sick at the register and threw up all over the customers groceries.

When you start to feel sick you just put one of the pills under your tongue and it starts to work instantly. Originally they tried her on compazine but after a couple of doses she had an allergic reaction and started spacing out. I had to take her to the emergency room because she couldn't speek or anything and was like in a total daze. But as I said the zofran worked great. I wish you all the luck as I know how you feel. My oldest is 30 and I was the same as you and they didn't have med's then that I could take.

Good luck!!

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R.B.

answers from Detroit on

Ask your doctor about taking antihistamines, either adult or pediatric dosage. I was like you with my second baby and antihistamines lessened the nausea enough so I could function. They didn't get rid of it completely but it was a huge improvement. I think my doctor also recommended taking additional doses of a vitamin, but I can't remember which one. I think Claritin or Zyrtec is approved for pregnancy. Good luck!

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S.F.

answers from Detroit on

I also was very sick all day long with many of the same smell issues. I practically lived on gatorade and popsicles for the first four months:) I was missing a ton of work. I was very leary but finally asked my doctor about medicine because I lost 10-12 pounds. She said there was nothing wrong with medicine and gave me a prescription for a drug called Zofran. It is actually used for chemo patients who are also very nauseaus. Unfortunately it is very expensive (I am lucky enough to have good insurance)but it truly was a miracle drug!! It immediately stopped my nausea and throwing up and I could actually eat some things! My daughter is now 9 months and is very healthy and happy. Good Luck
S.

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D.F.

answers from Detroit on

When I was pregnant for my daughter, I ended up having hyperemesis gravida (excessive vomitting with pregnancy) which lasted from about 6-7 weeks along until I delivered my daughter. I had nausea 24/7. If it gets to a point where you are unable to hold any food or fluids down you should contact your physician.

Otherwise try things like ginger, smoothies helped me a little, dry foods like toast, and applesauce.

My heart goes out to you. Good luck!

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J.T.

answers from Detroit on

Sorry E. to hear about your sickness. I empathize. I have had 3 pregnancies and my second and third was much more severe progressively. I eventually had to go to my doctor after about 8 weeks because I had a 3 yr old and could not even sit up. I laid on the couch and every time I moved to sit up I had to run to the bathroom. Thankfully my sister was living with us my first 3 months and she helped with making lunches, etc. when my husband was at work. My doctor prescribed a motion sickness pill because we had to travel to Columbus, OH for a family baptism and I knew I wouldn't even make it out of the Detroit area. She said it would work within 3 days and it did. I had to take it once daily and eventually stopped probably around 4.5 months. Eating crushed ginger directly from the jar helped a little, wrist band for motion sickness did not! Being careful not to get to low on blood sugar by eating more often helped. Hope this helps. J.

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E.1.

answers from Providence on

No to morning sickness tea is the perfect home remedy to ease nausea and sickness. I have been drinking the tea and got rid of nausea that was killing me all the time.

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C.G.

answers from Detroit on

Preggy Pop Drops-- Motherhood Maternity store. They were a lifesaver for my second pregnancy.

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K.M.

answers from Detroit on

You might have a condition called hyperemsis(sp) and will need a prescription for anti-nausia medication. Speak with your doctor about it.

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L.M.

answers from Detroit on

Hi E., I have 3 kids, and with my first, I experienced just a little bit of what you described, but not nearly as severe. You probably have discussed this with your doctor. I have an idea for you- unconventional- but very good. There is a technique called the Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT for short. It's based on the theory of acupuncture, but without needles. Basically, it invloves tapping on certain points of your body- the end points of the meridians where energy flows. These points include the top of the head, above the eyebrow, etc. You can visit the website www.emofree.com for more info. You can also google Carol Look's website for the exact tapping points. This has helped me with a variety of problems- and many people are amazed by it. Please check out the info. and let me know what you think. I would be surprised if it didn't help you! Take care and let me know what happens.
Elizabeth M.

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S.R.

answers from Detroit on

A friend of mine had some luck with acupuncture to help her with her morning sickness. And if you are scared of the needles, just remind yourself that teeny tiny acupuncture needles are NOTHING compared to labor! I've been myself and can assure you that the needles are nothing. There are also medications you can take, I think.

I had issues the whole 9 months of my pregnancy with my twins. Like you, I found it hard to prepare food for my older son and ended up throwing up whenever I had to wipe his bottom after he used the potty. Sometimes just the thought of wiping him made me sick. Even the smell of his security blanket between washings made me sick. It is not fun, is it?

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A.E.

answers from Detroit on

Hi E.,

I feel for you and remember my two pregnancies when I read your note. I too had bad morning sickness with both my girls...and it lasted into the fourth month for both of them. It was so bad the second time around that I dropped 14 pounds in two weeks and had to be hospitalized to have IV fluids. Just keep eating - ANYTHING that agrees with you to keep your strength up. Also, if you are able to take vitamins ( had to take those horrible chewable ones that looked like they were packaged in the '60s because I had trouble swallowing early on) do just that. I can also TOTALLY relate to the "smell" situation. AND I could not watch certain shows on TV because seeing sick people made me sick. Weird! Also, if you have family or friends to have on hand to help out it would be great for you so you aren't feeling like you are neglecting your little one. It can be hard, I know, to prepare meals, but hopefully it WILL be temporary for you. I had to have my mom come out to Michigan from California for about four weeks the second time around to help out with our 2 year old (after I was briefly hospitalized). Thankfully, the actual sickness wound down in about month 5 or so, but I still was sick once in the morning only...until the day I delivered. That happened with both girls. So stay well and ask for help! You won't regret it! You are NOT alone!

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J.L.

answers from Detroit on

HI Sorry to hear about ALL day sickiness. One of my girlfriends was pretty bad off also. Threw up the day she delivered. Anyways, when I was going thru my morning sickiness she recommended coke slurpees ( I shortly there after become a regualr at the local 7-11 ) something about the coldest and coke, seemed to settle my stomach.

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M.K.

answers from Detroit on

I too had morning sickness all day, every day. Sometimes lemons help. A bowl of ice with cut up lemons can make a huge difference when smells bother you. I also used to carry around a container of ginger. When smells would get to me, I would take a little whiff. Silly, but it worked or me. =)
~M.

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G.H.

answers from Detroit on

Hi E.! let me say congrats on your second baby! I had the same trouble, I wasnt sick with my daughter like that but with my son(my second) I was sick all day. I found if i sucked on pepermint candy it would go away for a bit. I sucked on somany peppermints I thought he was going to come out white and red lol...Hope my advice helps and all the luck in the world :)

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M.M.

answers from Detroit on

E.,
I had really bad morning sickness throught day during second pregnancy too. I actually ended up getting medication (Zofran)from my OB because it was really bad. the other thing,which you may already be doing is to eat small meals. Also, don't force yourslef to sit at the table. I am usually a 3 meals a day at the table gal. But, I ate wherever I was comfy... in front of good movie, in bed etc. as it served as a distraction. Another thing that helped was sea sickness wrist bands. I think they are just called sea band, not sure. I got them at a regular drug store by products for travel sickness.Good luck
M.

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D.S.

answers from Detroit on

Hi E.,

Call your OB/GYN doctor Monday morning as soon as they open. They have heard it ALL before and will know what to do for you. Don't play around with trying different things. I hope you are able to keep your prenatal vitamins down and that this passes soon.

God Bless You & Your Baby.
D.

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L.B.

answers from Detroit on

I wore Sea Bands on my wrists during my pregnancy - you can purchase these at Rite Aid, CVS etc.. they are for sea sickness - but were recommeded to me. Try the diet below if you can keep some of it down - maybe try broth first. I purchase the coconut oil, probiotics, and cod liver oil from www.appleadayandbeyond.com - this diet is also recommended for your 18 mos. old. My boys thrive on WAPF foods.

Check out www.westonaprice.org (WAPF) for information:

Diet for Pregnant and Nursing Mothers

Cod Liver Oil to supply 20,000 IU vitamin A and 2000 IU vitamin D per day

1 quart (or 32 ounces) whole milk daily, preferably raw and from pasture-fed cows (learn more about raw milk on our website, A Campaign for Real Milk, www.realmilk.com)

4 tablespoons butter daily, preferably from pasture-fed cows

2 or more eggs daily, preferably from pastured chickens

Additional egg yolks daily, added to smoothies, salad dressings, scrambled eggs, etc.

3-4 ounces fresh liver, once or twice per week (If you have been told to avoid liver for fear of getting "too much Vitamin A," be sure to read Vitamin A Saga)

Fresh seafood, 2-4 times per week, particularly wild salmon, shellfish and fish eggs

Fresh beef or lamb daily, always consumed with the fat

Oily fish or lard daily, for vitamin D

2 tablespoons coconut oil daily, used in cooking or smoothies, etc.

Lacto-fermented condiments and beverages

Bone broths used in soups, stews and sauces

Soaked whole grains

Fresh vegetables and fruits

AVOID:

Trans fatty acids (e.g., hydrogenated oils)
Junk foods
Commercial fried foods
Sugar
White flour
Soft drinks
Caffeine
Alcohol
Cigarettes
Drugs (even prescription drugs)

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C.M.

answers from Detroit on

I found two things that helped. First, eat something before you even get out of the bed. (crackers) I understand that this sick feeling is to many hormones and they go to the stomach. I don't know if this is true. On this theory, the crackers absorb this abundance of hormones. Sounds weird, but easy to at least try it out.
Second, I found that never letting my stomach get empty really helped. Nibble all the time. I kept crackers in my purse so that on errands I had something with me. Probably again, keep something that absorbs.
Third, and again don't know why....but the red and white mint candy settled my stomach. (candy cane kind of mint) (Brachs, red and white mints)

M.Q.

answers from Detroit on

Hello E. - Congratulations! I may be late in posting; when I was pregnant w/my daughter I was also sick all day long (all the way thru my second trimester) the very site of food would send me off. I sometimes would wake up in the middle of the night dry heaving...I lost almost 10 lbs in 2 weeks...my OB suggested that I keep cheerios & saltine crackers by the bed so before I got out of bed in the morning I had something also someone else posted coke slurpees (those helped alot) and also plain popcorn. My OB also prescribed Phenergan that helped w/the nausea. I hope this also helps.

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C.R.

answers from Detroit on

Good Morning E.,

I don't know if this will help but several of my friends that had morning sickness or all day sickness would drink Coke slurpees. It was the only thing that worked for my boss and best friend. Hope it works.

C.

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G.K.

answers from Detroit on

I had the same problem with my little one...the only thing that helped me was Zofran which is an anti-nausea medication they give to cancer patients. My pharmacist actually recommended the drug when my doctor prescribed me suppositories and we know how much fun that is! My pharmacist said that its the only anti-nausea drug out there that is safe for the mom and for the baby. I called my doctor immediately and told him that I talked to my pharmacist and he suggested that I try Zofran for my nausea; my doctor than gave me a prescription to try it out. My nausea lasted for almost five months and it was really bad during the heat.

Good luck!@

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J.K.

answers from Detroit on

Hi E.,
I feel for you on the prego nausea!! I had it bad with both my pregnancies, but only for the 1st trimesters. So hopefully yours will get better soon. But it feels like forever! Zofran definitely helped me (sounds like a lot of others, too). But I found that it took the vomiting away, but I was still nauseaus. Also, any time you are hungry...eat! Small meals often. And at this point, who cares if it's fast food. If it sounds good, eat it. I thought my baby would come out with chicken mcnuggets in her mouth. It was the only thing that sounded good to me, and helped with the nausea.
Also, Jolly Ranchers helped me, as did avoiding anything that invoked nausea...garbage, dishes, cooking.
Good luck! Hang in there, it gets better!

K.H.

answers from Detroit on

Well, the good thing is it doesn't last forever! LOL! If you can keep them down, make sure to take a prenatal - that will help to get whatever nutrients the baby needs so you don't have to worry so much about eating things that make you feel sick. Sounds like you're already doing everything else I could tell you! Good luck and hang in there!

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D.F.

answers from Detroit on

When I was pregnant with my Daughter (now 14)I found the only thing that helped with the nausea was to suck on lemon drops, someone told me this and it actually helps. But only when it is still in your mouth. Try it! I was still working and I would take the lemon drops into meetings so I could survive.

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K.C.

answers from Detroit on

Hi E.
You didn't say how far along you are... but you should be starting to feel better by three months... and then you will probably be starving!! Try fennel tea... good for upset stomachs and safe for the baby. I had a super sense of smell when I was pregnant with both my kids... just try and not smell... I used to have to hold my breathe when people ame up to me in summer as I could smell their BO at twenty paces!The up side is your hormones are strong and the pregnancy is well established!
All the best and hang in there... this too will pass.

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L.B.

answers from Detroit on

This sounds all too familiar to me as well. The smells, the food aversions, the motion sickness in the car. I made it through my first pregnancy with lots of saltines, home remedies, etc. I lost more then 10 pounds in my first trimester. My car was so full of cracker crumbs as I had to eat them while I drove. I couldn't travel to many family events as the car ride was just too much for me. It got better at week 17, but never went away completely, & got worse again in the 3rd trimester. It all went away the moment I delivered & I have never been so hungry in my life!

My second pregnancy it was worse. I felt like I had a terrible case of the flu. I couldn't drive, go to work, take care of my 2 year old...really couldn't do much of anything. My doctor gave me Zofran - she had used it during her pregancy & had done a study on it's use in pregnancy. She said there are other drugs, but the side effects can make it difficult to function. It was a miricle drug as far as I was concerned. It literally worked in about 15 minutes & lasted 12 hours. I took it almost every day for the duration of my pregancy. It is ridiculously expensive, but that's another story.

I agree you have to keep a bit of food in your stomach to keep your blood sugar in check, but you have to get to a point where you can keep food down so you can do that. I also had heartburn as the pregnancy progressed, but that was more managable. You should talk to your doctor/midwife & see what makes sense for you.

In the end, I had 2 (otherwise) good pregnancies & 2 beautiful, healthy babies. It's a long 9 months, but in the end it is so worth it! Good luck...we will all be thinking of you!!

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A.S.

answers from Detroit on

are you taking your vitamins in the morning?if you are try taking them at night before bed.i got sick from them so that's what i did.

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L.H.

answers from Detroit on

The Sea-Bands motion sickness wristbands work wonders. They work by applying magnets to the pressure points in your wrists, and I don't know how, but they do work! Get them at any drugstore and wear them all day. I also took my pre-natal vitamin at night and kept pop-tarts on my night stand to eat before I got out of bed (PB & J's work also!)

Definitely tell your doctor, you can't suffer like this for your entire pregnancy, and you shouldn't have to. My doctor gave me Zofran for extreme sickness and it was great. She said it was a strong drug, but was safe in pregnancy. I panicked a little when she told me it's what they give chemo patients to combat the nausea, but she assured me it was safe, and you have to trust your doctor. Good luck. I agree that you shouldn't try herbal or other remedies without consulting your doctor.

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