I was under the impression that pregnancy nausea comes and goes in waves. For me, it was not only wishful thinking but also a bald-faced lie told to me by years of movies and TV shows. My brand of nausea only occurred when I was hungry or healthy. I was and still am hungry pretty much all the time, which means I was also nauseous all the time. If I tried to eat healthily, I would still feel nauseous unless I followed up with a bowl of poutine, a grilled cheese sandwich, a bowl of chili, a McDonald’s Big Mac, or a bag of chips (if it wasn’t obvious this is a list of food I am always craving at any given point throughout the day.) Do you have any idea how frustrating it is to keep the parasite in you healthy while at the same time not completely falling apart due to pure discomfort? I can only describe this level of discomfort as somewhere between a pebble stuck in your shoe and a bra that’s just a little too tight.
Nausea continued for weeks. At first, it was throughout the day and slowly subsided to only in the morning and night. Oddly enough, nausea started to become a relief for me. After my miscarriage scare, nausea was the only thing that assured me that the baby was still with me. Every time I dry heaved or felt that sour taste in my mouth, I was relieved.
However, I am fortunate compared to others; I know some expecting mothers who can only keep down saltine crackers, toast, or ice cream. At least whatever I do eat, I don't throw back up into a toilet minutes later. Learning this was my first time realizing that although we're all pregnant, every experience is different. That also means there isn't only one way to do things. If you want poutine, eat one. If you don't want to take nausea medication, don't do it. If you want to be healthy, let them eat lettuce! Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about your choices regarding your body. Anything you can do to make that pebble in your shoe a little more bearable is what's best for you and your baby.
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