AboutBrenda Expertise I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. In addition to that, I am a mother of two, ages 21 and 16, both of which I had hoped would be vaginal deliveries, but ended up being C-Sections... one of which had me in pre-term labor...another which was frank breech (bottom first)... one who rejected the breast... and so on... to list my personal experience would be a bit lengthy! I'd simply like to help anyone who might have a question or concern that I can draw on my expertise to answer!
Experience I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. My experience also includes approximately three years working in Behavioral Services.
Education/Credentials Graduated from the Mary Lanning School of Nursing in May 1988. Have been a licensed Registered Nurse in the state of NE since 1988.
Question I was supposedly 18 1/2 wks pregnant, went to the ultrasound. Tech said I too small,only 16 wks, but next day the doc said she was wrong. I have lost 29 lbs so far bc of morning sickness, even though I am on diclectin and gravol with ginger. I can barely eat anything, was on instant breakfast shakes for several weeks, bc it was the only thing I could keep down. I this potentially why by baby seems to be so small? any advice?
Answer Dear Ammy,
There has been research to suggest that if a mother is not gaining adequate weight during pregnancy, she may be metabolizing fat, which may cause ketones to be freed in her bloodstream. Some feel that these ketones may be toxic to developing fetal brains. If the woman is losing weight or experiencing a lot of nausea and vomiting, ketones should be checked.
Ultimately, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) can be the result of poor maternal nutrition and/or weight loss during the pregnancy. If this happens early and is continued, the fetal brain may be compromised and the baby can be born with a symmetrically small head and body. If the deficiency occurs later, the brain may be spared and the baby may be born with a smaller-than-average body but normal head and brain development. Often ultrasounds can indicate whether fetal growth is coming along on schedule. If your doctor has said that the baby still seems to be within normal limits for growth and development, then I would not be overly concerned as of yet. Nature is a funny thing. Pregnant women's bodies tend to automatically protect the baby first and foremost. Hopefully, your nausea will begin to dissipate very soon and you can find SOMEthing that you can ingest to get adequate nutrition.
It is difficult to completely relieve the symptoms of morning sickness, but there are ways to help minimize the symptoms. Try eating very small, more frequent meals. You can also try eating a piece of bread or some saltine crackers before you get out of bed. Greasy foods and strong odors will often trigger some cases of nausea as well, so try to avoid these things. If all you can keep down are high-calorie shakes, then that is MUCH better than nothing.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
