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 am 16 weeks pregnant, and I lost six pounds in a month since my last visit. I am still queasy and not really hungry or turned on by many foods. I try to eat, but sometimes I am still throwing up the food. I am nervous because I had a history of eating disorders in the past, both anorexia and bulimia, but I am eating normally now since I found out I was pregnant. I am NOT trying to lose weight....is this normal?
Answer Dear Sarah,
Sometimes early on when there is excessive nausea and/or vomiting there can be a bit of weight loss. However, it is extremely important to minimize this, especially in your case. If weight loss gets severe enough, it may require a hospital stay to treat what we call hyperemesis gravidarum.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance. Mild cases are treated with dietary changes, rest and antacids. More severe cases often require a stay in the hospital so that the mother can receive fluid and nutrition through an intravenous line (IV).
The majority of pregnant women experience some type of morning sickness (70 - 80%), and about 1% of all pregnancies will experience extreme morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. It is believed that nausea is caused by a rise in hormone levels; however, the absolute cause is still unknown. Hyperemesis gravidarum cannot be prevented, but there are ways to manage it.
When nausea and vomiting during pregnancy become severe enough to cause this condition, it is characterized by the following:
-Severe nausea and vomiting
-Food aversions
-Weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight
-Decrease in urination
-Dehydration
-Headaches
-Confusion
-Fainting
-Jaundice
Treatment with IV fluids, tube feedings, and medications may be necessary if this becomes too severe.
It's important to try to find SOMETHING that you are hungry for or that you can tolerate and keep down. Take in all that you possibly can of whatever foods you can tolerate. It's also very important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of juices and water. Try different ones to find which ones you like/can tolerate. Even a product like Gatorade may be beneficial for you to keep your electrolytes in balance while you are experiencing excessive vomiting.
Even though you may not be hungry, you may have to schedule meals. Even if you have to MAKE yourself eat something - anything - every hour. If you can take in at least 100 calories every hour - that would make a HUGE difference for you AND your baby.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. Please be well.
