My Story of Hyperemesis: Birth Story

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Birth Story

I want to start off by saying I am so lucky that I had the doctor that I had who delivered the baby. Any other doctor would have gave up and did a c-section and my doctor stayed until 10:30pm (she was off at 7pm) to deliver my baby and help me have him vaginally! I am so thankful for her and my many blessings.

My husband is a big indy race car fan so we hung it up. The little yellow cars had all of our names on it. Baby Evan was the driver of the big car!

Monday morning my mom showed up at my house at 6:45am. I think I had been up all night nervous! Brad (the hubby) and I left at 7:10am for the hospital. Lizzie (our 8 year old) was awake when we left and excited to see her new brother after school (or so she thought).

Brad and I went to the hospital and checked in. We had a nice big room and a great nurse, who had been a I think nurse for 13 years, but only 3 months as an ob nurse (so she was in training). She was really great! She got my IV on the first try (which is rare), checked me and I was 1.5 centimeters dilated, and the baby was still at -3 station (VERY high). They decided they could start pitocin and at 10:30am pitocin was finally started (pharmacy was running slow).

Waiting for pitocin!

My mom took the 2 oldest girls to school and Maddie (our 2 year old)to a friend’s house for the day (I was nervous about this because we have never left Maddie anywhere. But she did great and our wonderful friend Lisa sent pictures to my mom all day on her cell phone of Maddie having fun). Then around 11am my dad and mom came to the hospital.

The doctor came in and I asked her when I can get the epidural, she said whenever I wanted too, she expected with baby number 4 I would go quick and fast with the pitocin. I wanted to wait until I was in a good amount of pain, but the nurse told me 4 people were lined up for the anesthesiologist and he was next door so I could be next if I wanted. I was not sure but after some pressure from the hubby and parents and the pitocin kicking in VERY fast I was in some pain I decided to do it.

Me with pitocin before the epidural, last picture before birth because i was in so much pain. Should have taken more pictures!

They told my hubby and parents the epidural would take 20 minutes and to go to the waiting room and come back in 20 (I hate not having my hubby with me). The anesthesiologist who did not speak English very well was not so great. I kept telling him it hurt while he was doing it (my other ones did not hurt with the other 3 kids). He called me a baby and told me “no pain no gain”! He clearly did not know the hell I had been through with hyperemesis with this baby! He left the room. At about 20 minutes I told the nurse who was the only one in the room I felt really funny. She said describe it and I said I couldn’t, I just did not feel right. Then the heart monitor thing stared beeping and my heart rate was 184 bpm…..really high, she called for another nurse and the anesthesiologist to come back. My hubby walked in and they asked him to go back to the waiting room (he was trying to ask questions and no one would answer him). The room was now spinning, I started gagging and trying to throw up, I remember them telling me to cough (I have no idea why). They rolled me on to my left side and my heart rate settled, I said something was still wrong and my blood pressure dropped 80/30. They said I passed out at that point but I just remember the room being foggy. It was a full hour until everything got calmed down and they let my family back in. I really felt like I was going to die, it was the weirdest experience I have ever had. My mom said she knew something was wrong in the waiting room when no one was coming out to update them and it was taking so long. Brad was not a happy camper about not knowing what was going on. I never really recovered from this point forward.

An hour later (about 1pm) I was a 4 centimeters and stuck there until 6pm…..not dilating at all! I felt every contraction. The epidural did not work at all, I was numb from the thighs to my toes. And not numb from my hips to my chest. But having my legs and toes numb did not help anything. What a waste!

My dad sleeping since I was not into playing cards like I usually am when I am in labor, I was in so much pain! My dad got a good 2 hour nap though :)

At 5pm Brad went home and got the girls dinner, played with them and hung out. My moms friend Kathye now had all 3 girls at our house (she picked up the 2 oldest from school) and was planning on spending the night with them. Huge thanks to her also! Her husband brought over ice cream, pop corn and cookies! YUMMY!

Then I made it to a 10 centimeters at 8pm. But the baby was still a -3 station. This is not a good thing. You cannot push a baby out who is not against your cervix. They pushed on my belly (the epidural is still not working). I pushed for almost 3 hours. The baby was sunny side up. 3 of my kids have now been the wrong way. The doctor said it was due to the shape of my pelvis. She kept spraying soap up inside of me trying to make the baby slippery to turn him. Bubbles everywhere……weird place for bubbles to be coming out! No luck, so the doctor told the nurse to flip me to the side and try to push and left the room (I did not know at the time but she left the room to schedule the operating room for my c-section…..if the baby did not flip he could not make it through my pelvis sunny side up). The doctor came back and flipped me back onto my back, and he was now sideways, not sunny side up, but not looking down either. She said she thought he just might make it through! We pushed another 20 minutes and out came Evan at 10:27pm!

Notice football in the background

He looked so small……everyone guessed he was 8 pounds (yes that is small for my kids)………..everyone was wrong 9 pounds 9 ounces, 21 inches! I knew he was big! He was perfect but because of his large size he needed blood sugar levels checked every 4 hours for 24 hours, he did not like this.

My dad went home around 11:30pm and my mom went to my house to stay with the 3 girls at 11:30pm. She would bring the girls back in the morning at 9am and my dad came back at 7am to be with the baby. The girls were so excited to see their brother and stayed at the hospital most of the day until dinner to go home and take a break and come back later with their cousins to visit. Maddie was happy to her mommy!

He is as big as my 5 year old!

3 proud sisters!

2 excited cousins, Livi asked me if it hurt, I thought that was a cute question :)

Maddie cried leaving mommy that night and cried all the way home. My mom stayed at the hospital all night with me because when they took the baby to the nursery for all the different tests I wanted someone with him (I do not like my baby out of my sight or my parents).

We were discharged at 11am Wed morning! YA!

He did not like his ride home!

Nursing has been a breeze, easiest one yet, no sore nipples! He is a big eater! I am not sore in the vagina area at all! I even had stitches from natural tearing, 2^nd degree whatever that means. No pain at all. No hemorrhoids, another first ever! Going to the bathroom has been so easy too!

But let me tell you the contractions from my uterus has been the worse ever, I am taking Tylenol, motrin, and percocet with no relief. When I nurse the contractions are so bad I cry. It hurts! My stomach is still HUGE, with the girls I could wear none maternity clothes within a day, I am still in maternity clothes and I am devastated! What if my belly never goes down???

That is the story of Evans birth!

No comments:

Causes

The cause of HG is unknown. The leading theories state that it is an adverse reaction to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. In particular, Hyperemesis may be due to raised levels of beta HCG as it is more common in multiple pregnancies (though I never had multiples). It is thought that estrogen produces nausea and regurgitation of stomach acids in some women. A recent study gives "preliminary evidence" that there may be a genetic component (the only other person in my family who has hyperemsis is my cousin). More on causes and theories go to: http://www.helpher.org/hyperemesis-gravidarum/theories-research/index.php

Symptoms

When HG is severe and/or inadequately treated, it may result in:

Loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy body weight
Dehydration, causing ketosis, and constipation
Nutritional deficiencies
Metabolic imbalances
Altered sense of taste
Sensitivity of the brain to motion
Food leaving the stomach more slowly
Rapidly changing hormone levels during pregnancy
Stomach contents moving back up from the stomach
Physical and emotional stress of pregnancy on the body
Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessels in the eyes)
Difficulty with daily activities
Hallucinations

Some women with HG lose as much as 30% of their body weight. Many sufferers of HG are extremely sensitive to odors in their environment; certain smells may exacerbate symptoms.

As compared to morning sickness, HG tends to begin somewhat earlier in the pregnancy and last significantly longer (my last until 20 weeks or half way). While most women will experience near-complete relief of morning sickness symptoms near the beginning of their second trimester, some sufferers of HG will experience severe symptoms until they give birth to their baby, and sometimes even after giving birth.

Treatment

Because of the potential for severe dehydration and other complications, HG is in general treated as a medical emergency. Treatment of HG may include antiemetic medications and intravenous rehydration. If medication and IV hydration are insufficient, nutritional support may be required.

Management of HG can be complicated because not all women respond to treatment. In some instances, women with HG may be able to avoid hospitalization by eating a special diet of clear liquids and bland food rich in carbohydrates,and eating before rising in the morning; while these may be of some assistance, they are unlikely to resolve the disorder on their own. Hypnosis has relieved symptoms in some cases, though the majority of women do not respond to this measure.Wristbands used for motion sickness and seasickness have been shown by one study to be effective in treating some cases of HG, but not others; these are worn around the wrist at a traditional acupuncture point, 3 finger-widths from the joint, and are available at many pharmacies.There is evidence that ginger may be effective in treating pregnancy-related nausea; however, in general this is ineffective in cases of HG. Nothing but medication and hydration have ever helped me personally.

IV hydration - this is what i do

IV hydration often includes supplementation of electrolytes as persistent vomiting frequently leads to a deficiency. A and B vitamins are depleted within two weeks, so extended malnutrition indicates a need for evaluation and supplementation. In addition, mineral levels should be monitored and supplemented; of particular concern are sodium and potassium.

After IV rehydration is completed, patients in general progress to frequent small liquid or bland meals. After rehydration, treatment focuses on managing symptoms to allow normal intake of food. However, cycles of hydration and dehydration can occur, making continuing care necessary. Home care is available in the form of a PICC line for hydration and nutrition (called total parenteral nutrition). Home treatment is often less expensive than long-term and/or repeated hospital stays.

Medications

While no medication is considered completely risk-free for use during pregnancy, there are several that are commonly used to treat HG and are believed to be safe.

The standard treatment in most of the world is Bendectin (also sold under the trademark name Diclectin), a combination of doxylamine succinate and vitamin B6. However, due to a series of birth-defect lawsuits in the United States against its maker, Merrill Dow, Bendectin is not currently on the market in the U.S. (None of the lawsuits were successful, and numerous independent studies and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have concluded that Bendectin does not cause birth defects.) Its component ingredients are available over-the-counter (doxylamine succinate is the active ingredient in many sleep medications), and some doctors will recommend this treatment to their patients.

Antiemetic drugs, especially ondansetron (Zofran), are effective in many women. The major drawback of ondansetron has been its cost. In severe cases of HG, the Zofran pump may be more effective than tablets. Zofran is also available in ODT (oral disintegrating tablet), which can be easier for women who have trouble swallowing due to the nausea. Promethazine (Phenergan) has been shown to be safe, at least in rats and may be used during pregnancy with minimal/no side-effects. Metoclopramide is sometimes used in conjunction with antiemetic drugs; however, it has a somewhat higher incidence of side-effects. Other medications less commonly used to treat HG include Marinol, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.

Other medications that are frequently prescribed for HG are Compazine, Tigan, Phenergan, and Reglan. These can be given orally or intraveneously, or administered as a rectal suppository. They are considered safe for use during pregnancy.^[15]

Nutritional support

Women not responding to IV rehydration and medication may require nutritional support. Patients might receive parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding via a PICC line) or enteral nutrition (via a nasogastric tube or a nasojejunum tube).

Beyond Morning Sickness

BEYOND MORNING SICKNESS......I have read the best book on Hyperemesis and wanted all of the people who read my blog to go out and get this book and read it. You can find the book on amazon.com or go to the author's web page at www.beyondmorningsickness.com it is a wonderful book on hyperemesis. The author has also written a children's book about hyperemesis titled, Mama Has Hyperemesis, and my children loved it! The web-site also offers a great support system and other woman who have gone through hyperemesis!

Spiritual Connection!

I Thank my Heavenly Father every day for the beautiful children and family I have. I know that it is through God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost that I made it through my 3 pregnancies. I know they have a plan for me, I know they love me and watch over me. Through Prayer, scripture study, and church they make it possible for me to survive hyperemesis. You need to be spiritual strong to survive hyperemesis, and the Lord will provide your way. I am happy to be a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.

Hyperemesis does NOT equal abortion!

I have come across many web-sites for women with Hyperemesis that are pro-choice. Some even promote and support women who have hyperemesis to terminate the baby. This upsets me. There are positive treatment options for hyperemesis and women, children and families deserve better than abortion. I do not believe women, and families should choose abortion when there are other options to help with hyperemesis. I hope this blog helps women to choose to keep their baby because if I can do it, anyone can do it! Let us support one another!