Pregnancy Symptoms & Lack of Doctor Access: Seeking Advice

Question
First I'd like to thank you for helping people like myself. I also hope things are better for you now.
  I am pregnant with my first child and have not yet been able to see a doctor because my husbands work is taking their sweet time putting me on his insurance. My last period was around mid October and i found out 3 weeks ago that I'm pregnant.I am so sick I can barely move. I cannot keep food down. I've tried ginger capsules, Vitamin b6 and unisom to help me sleep. Nothing is making it easier. My stomach hurts badly from all the vomiting and I can't seem to eat anything but bean and cheese burritos. then i vomit anyway. I'm VERY concerned about our baby's health and my own. Do you have any suggestions?   Thank you

Answer
Dear Carrie,

Thanks so much for your kind wishes... day by day. :)

Unfortunately, some women experience more nausea and vomiting than others during pregnancy - especially the first half of pregnancy. If your LMP began approximately 10-15-09 (since you said mid-October), you would be in your 12th week of pregnancy (due on/about 7/22/10). So, you are going into your 2nd trimester. The nausea and vomiting which occurs for many women (as many as 75%) during the 1st trimester of pregnancy is typically related to the surge of hormones. But by the time your 2nd trimester rolls around, these hormone levels have typically begun to stabilize, therefore calming the nausea and vomiting. Unfortunately, for some women nausea and/or vomiting does persist into the 2nd trimester. Heartburn can also sometimes cause nausea and is usually relieved with antacids like Mylanta.

One possible cause for a return or continuation of nausea and vomiting during the 2nd trimester is a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a condition that sometimes afflicts pregnant women, and its symptoms include severe nausea and vomiting. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and may result in weight loss; nutritional deficiencies; and abnormalities in fluids, electrolyte levels, and acid-base balance. The peak incidence is at 8-12 weeks of pregnancy, and symptoms usually resolve by week 20 in all but 10% of patients. Hyperemesis gravidarum is generally treated with changes in diet - typically a more bland diet that is easier on the stomach, rest, and sometimes antacids. In general, anti-nausea medications are to be avoided during pregnancy.

You can also try the following to lessen your nausea and vomiting until it subsides:

- Eat small meals often
- Drink fluids 1/2 hour before or after a meal, but not with meals
- Drink small amounts of fluids during the day to avoid dehydration
- Eat soda crackers 15 minutes before getting up in the morning
- Avoid foods and smells that increase nausea
- Ask someone else to cook for you and open the windows or turn on fans if the odor bothers you
- Get plenty of rest and nap during the day
- Avoid warm places (feeling hot adds to nausea)
- Sniff lemons or ginger, drink lemonade, or eat watermelon to relieve nausea
- Eat salty potato chips (they have been found to settle stomachs enough to eat a meal)
- Exercise
- Do not lie down after eating
- Do not skip meals
- Do not cook or eat spicy food

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda