Go Ask Mom

Jackie Hyland: Severe morning sickness? Been there

As a bit of a royal watcher myself, I was delighted when I heard their baby news. But I immediately felt sorry for Kate Middleton when I learned that the Duchess is suffering from severe morning sickness or Hyperemesis Gravidarum for the second time.

Posted Updated
Jackie Hyland and her daughters
By
Jackie Hyland

The royals are having another baby! Brillant news!

As a bit of a royal watcher myself, I was delighted when I heard their baby news. But I immediately felt sorry for Kate Middleton when I learned that the Duchess is suffering from severe morning sickness or Hyperemesis Gravidarum for the second time.

I know a lot about what she is going through. I too was diagnosed with Hyperemesis twice. Let me tell you, it is absolutely awful.

The first time it happened was about 16 year ago. I was pregnant for the first time. It hit me hard and nothing can prepare you for it. I remember that I was exhausted beyond belief at first and then the nausea started.

This was unlike any nausea I had ever experienced before. It was all consuming and lasted all day and all night. Everything I tried to eat would come back up almost immediately. It got so bad for me that I could not watch television. Even the sight of food would start the heaving and vomiting. I couldn't even drink water.

My poor husband tried every remedy known to cure morning sickness .... from boiling ginger to ginger ale and Saltines. To this day, I really disilke both ginger ale and Saltines.

It got so bad that I wound up in the hospital, as I was extremely dehydrated. My OB/GYN was not really concerned about the baby I found out. She said we know your hormones are working! So I spent some time in the hospital getting re-hydrated.

I lost 20 pounds and a lot of hair! Yes, hair. I really looked bad! Finally, around the 12 week mark, the nausea and vomiting subsided. The rest of my pregnancy went very smoothly. My daughter was born happy and healthy.

I was brave enough to get pregnant a second time, and it happened again. This time, the doctors set me up with an at-home IV and a nurse would come to my house every other day to change the IV.

By now, I had a three-year-old, so I couldn't just lie in bed. I remember one time retching in the bathroom sink and my little girl happened to wander in at that very moment. There wasn't much I could do. I will never forget her asking me ... "Mommy, are you going to throw up the baby?"

It made me laugh at a moment when I really needed it! I was sorry she had to witness my morning sickness. But thankfully, once I assured her the baby would be just fine, she moved on as three year olds often do! Once again, when I reached the 12 week mark, I started to feel much better and I was able to go back to work after a month off. About six months later, I had a healthy, happy baby girl.

So Kate Middleton, my heart truly goes out to you during this trying time. I am sure you are being very well looked after. Still it is a rough few weeks, but it will pass!

Jackie is the mom of a tween and a teen. She is an anchor for WRAL-TV. Find her here on Go Ask Mom monthly and follow her on Facebook.

 

 

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.