I feel like this baby wants me dead.
I’ve been sick since conception. Throwing up steady for the last 12 weeks. Four to six times a day. Every. Single. Day.
To say it’s been rough is an understatement. There are times when mustering up the energy to leave the house takes everything I’ve got, which makes going to work especially hard. Because instead of thinking about projects and deadlines I’m thinking: I’M ABOUT TO BARF ON YOU!
And the advice.
So, so much advice.
It’s well meaning and thoughtful, it’s just not helpful at all and also, a little bit annoying because I’M ABOUT TO BARF ON YOU!
I’ve got some advice for you now…
5 Things Not to Say to the Sick Pregnant Lady & 5 That Might Make Her Love You
Don’t say:
“Have you tried…”
I’ve been throwing up for 12 weeks. Why yes, I’ve tried crackers and ginger (ginger ale, ginger tea, ginger candies) same goes for sea bands, bland foods, laying perfectly still on the bathroom floor. I have the internet too.
“Eat small meals.”
I throw up everything: the three grapes I found in the back of the fridge, the cheeseburger and fries I absolutely HAD TO HAVE, the cracker I ate to “coat my stomach.” All of it, down the hatch, annnnd right back up. Not to get too graphic but sometimes a big meal is easier to get up because then I’m not painfully dry heaving. And also, I’M STARVING!
“I have this friend who…”
Everyone is different and please see number one.
“Ahhh, it will get better!”
Yep, they say morning sickness should ease during the second trimester. I also know exactly how many days I am past that milestone. And also, eventually this baby will be born so yeah, it will get better.
“You probably shouldn’t…”
Eat greasy foods, have anything with too much acid, or dairy, or sugar, or anything at all worth eating at all. Thank you but I’m throwing up water and this orange juice is the only thing that has stayed down for the last three weeks. Screw the acid. Also, you’re not the boss of me.
Do Say…
“You’re doing and amazing job.”
Everyone likes to know that other people know that they’re awesome.
“Is there anything I can do or get you to make you feel better?”
Like stop giving me advice? Or, maybe just get away from me with that bologna sandwich.
“Is this bothering you? I can totally get rid of it.”
Yes, please do, you with the bologna again.
“I’m listening, let me have it.”
Because sometimes I just need an ear and silence so all of the talking an moaning can be done by me.
Nothing.
Sometimes, silence is the best policy.
Vanessa is the Baby Baking guest writer. As a newlywed expecting her first baby she has a lot of firsts. You get to hear all about them while she bakes this baby.
Oh momma. I’m so sorry. I can’t give advice. I have none for morning sickness. I know when I get motion sick either something mint (like gum) or salt helps, like a pinch or two in my water, but I don’t know if that would help or not. Just know that if we could rip it away from you we would. The morning sickness, not the baby.
Been there, done that. Sorry sweetie…hope it gets better soon!!
Thanks! Me too…me too!
My favorite piece of advice when I was pregnant with my son and couldn’t keep anything down was “you have to try and eat something.” Like I didn’t know that and want to eat everything you put in front of me. The only time I wasn’t nauseous or puking was when I was asleep. So here is a tip not advice, sip whatever you drink. Don’t try and gulp or drink regularly. Small sips and suck on ice chips. That’s all I could handle on most days. And remember the moment you see that perfect little person all this would be worth it.
Thanks, Tameka. I’m gonna try those ice chips!