Week 19

Greetings, friends and family! I decided to start this blog after reading friend Jessica's on this same site (thanks, Jess!).

Today I begin my 19th week of pregnancy. To celebrate, I got dressed and went in for a dental appointment - something I could not have managed in June or July, or even last week. Thank goodness for Zofran! I've been so sick through my first trimester with "hyperemesis gravidarum" that I haven't been able to keep people properly updated - I hope this blog helps.

Here is what eMedicine has to say about hyperemesis gravidarum:

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is extremely common. Studies estimate that nausea and vomiting occurs in 50-90% of pregnancies. The nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy usually begins by 9-10 weeks of gestation, peaks at 11-13 weeks, and resolves in most cases by 12-14 weeks. In 1-10% of pregnancies, symptoms may continue beyond 20-22 weeks...

The most severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is called HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM (HEG). HEG is characterized by persistent nausea and vomiting associated with ketosis and weight loss (>5% of prepregnancy weight). HEG may cause volume depletion, electrolytes and acid-base imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and even death. Severe hyperemesis requiring hospital admission occurs in 0.3-2% of pregnancies.

I've been out of the hospital and on Zofran every 4 hours for about three weeks. Despite my being so sick, Jack and I are both giddy about our growing baby. My tummy is now sticking straight out at my belly button like a small ski jump. Next week we have a 4-D ultrasound and should find out if we'll want a pink or blue receiving blanket.