Not so great pregnancy

**sherry6** · 07-07-2008, 11:53 AM

This is my 5th pregnancy, 2nd pregnancy post IC. My last pregnancy put my IC into remission. Even after I stopped nursing, I didn't have any IC pain. It was lovely. Unfortunately this pregnancy has been a nightmare. I had my left ovary removed in November. Unfortunately, this threw my hormones out of whack, I gained twenty pounds, started having problems with my other ovary, and started getting symptoms of IC again. And then I got pregnant. For me, IC is definately hormone related. My pregnancy has been a nightmare. My "morning sickness" has lasted all day and night, and hasn't stopped at 16 weeks like my other pregnancies did. I am 23 weeks pregnant now, and still throwing up full throttle. And I have been having IC pain. Add migraines and problems with my one remaining ovary, and it has been just lovely. I am taking medications for my migraines, and my allergies, and I am worried about adding medications at this point. But now I need help! I am afraid the IC diet isn't very condusive to a healthy baby. And I am afraid to take prenatal vitamins. Any suggestions? Oh- I am having another girl (4 girls. one boy) and I am due Oct. 30th. It is nice to see all of the other Oct. babies on here!

**traceann** · 07-07-2008, 12:20 PM

I am so sorry you are having a difficult time this go around!! The IC Diet can be very healthful - basically if you eat fresh you're on track. Like fresh meats - chicken, beef, fish, pork with no additives, fresh/frozen veggies like carrots, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas etc., and most dairy is friendly like cottage cheese, brick form cream cheese, string cheese, all natural ice cream(not exactly healthy but yummy, lol), limited fruits, like blueberries and pears (some can tolerate certain apples) - it's very possible to build a healthy IC and Baby friendly diet, lol

Here's a link to the cheat sheet that might help you find the healthier friendly foods:
http://www.ic-network.com/diet/dietcheatsheet.html

Hope this helps and I do hope the morning sickness cuts you some slack soon!!!!! And congrats on the new little one!!!!

Hugs,
Tracey

**mwohlers** · 07-09-2008, 10:31 AM

I wish I had answers for you, but right now I am afraid I am in the same boat. Yes, there are alot of healthy IC foods, but if everything makes you nauteus it is very hard. I have been taking just folic acid instead of multi vitamins because the pain was just too bad. My doctor seemed to think that was the biggest concern and that seemed to be easier on symtoms. Ice cream helps me alot. Who knows why. If I need food in me I eat that and sometimes mix healthy foods in with it like ginger I tried today. I think it helped the nausea somewhat. This is very hard but my friends tell me that they baby does eventually come and this too shall pass. I will say a prayer that remission comes for you or that you at least find some short-term work arounds!

Melissa

**traceann** · 07-10-2008, 12:19 PM

Have you had any luck on some friendly foods to just at least help you get something in you? I know I've read over and over that during the morning sickness phase of early pregnancy, as far as a baby-healthy diet goes - whatever you can get in you, you get in you. Just eat what you can, and you'll catch up later when it hopefully subsides at 12-14 weeks. I know saltines can be a huge help and for me they were always IC friendly.

Anything usually that's not bladder friendly, can be not-so-tummy-friendly either, lol. So, at least some of the blander foods that are IC friendly, may be helpful - like crackers, string cheese, cottage cheese etc.

I hope it passes soon for you or you find your groove to ride it out as best you can!!!!

Hugs,
Tracey

***ICNDonna*** · 07-10-2008, 12:21 PM

I'm so sorry you're having such a horrible time. Of my three pregnancies, I also had one where I spent most of the whole nine months vomiting --- and that was before my IC.

I hope you get some relief soon.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

**sherry6** · 07-10-2008, 01:05 PM

Hi Tracey- I do have some relief with some of those IC and nausea friendly foods. The problem is I am way past my first trimester, (24 weeks now) and am still just as sick. You can only eat saltines for so long!

Unfortunately I keep enough food in to still gain a lot of weight, I just have trouble keeping in fluids. SO I end up sick and dehydrated. And now I am huge and unable to exercise, so my back is hurting prematurely, and everything else. I'm sure it will last the whole darn pregnancy. Dang it. I'll stop complaining

**traceann** · 07-10-2008, 02:22 PM

Nah, go right ahead and complain, I have discovered it can last much longer than they say - look at Donna for example there, lol.

Just think positive, lol, I know I know, easier said than done....

Yup, saltines can only last so long and I've also found out that sometimes they can eventually become a nausea trigger - you automatically associate them with nausea and presto, new trigger, lol. Have you tried a supplement of B6?? I know that can help the nausea, 25 mg 2x's a day, is what my doc recommended. Granted, I'd try it cautiously at first bladder-wise, but it might be helpful if you haven't tried it yet!

**Charisse** · 07-11-2008, 07:32 AM

I'm so sorry sweetie. Try not to stress about not eating healthy. The baby will get whatever it needs (at your expense unfortunately) but the baby will be fine. I am 26 weeks (due Oct 19). I wasn't able to do any vitamins (not even folic acid by itself) due to IC and nausea. Finally in my second trimester I was able to tolerate Flinstones chewables with iron and the dr said to take two of them. I know you don't like the idea of taking more medication but has your dr offered you Zofran or Phenergan for the nausea? They can be lifesavers. I used them both during the first trimester and they allowed me to eat a little more than I would have been able to normally. And I didn't eat one vegetable my entire first trimester. . NOT ONE. Salad went right through me and I would literally gag on anything else. Have you tried munching on crushed ice to get some fluids in? Are there any popsicles that you can tolerate? I know many have food dyes in them or juice so this may not work for you. I finally caved and ate whatever I felt might stay in and that seemed to work best for me (even when it wasn't an IC friendly food). Hang in there!!

**mrsaridings** · 08-06-2008, 10:31 AM

Hi I am so sorry to hear about your morning sickness and migraines. I know the troubles

But for me I found that there is a tea you can drink either hot or cold(already bottled) called Yerba Mate that will help the migraines. I have been drinking the bottled mate called Guayaki since I was diagnosed w/ IC. It has helped ALOT, and I recently found out it also has been used in treated cures for types of cancer. I quit taking my IC meds about 3-4 months ago and EVERYTHING along w/ it we wanted another baby and I wanted all that stuff out of my system. Anyway, I still drink mate and it helps me when I get the occasional flare and I can tell my migraines start coming back when I don't drink one. I was so amazed at how much it has helped and how natural not to mention fair trade it is. I even left a testimonial on the website and I am not one to do that stuff. Anyway, maybe you could go to a health food store and get some that is either bottled or just the loose leaf. I drink the mint flavor because mint(spearmint and peppermint) helps w/ nausea and vomiting...for me anyway. It also helps w/ the extrem exhaustion I get too. Good Luck I hope you get better, and congratulations. I want another girl too. I have 2 already, but they are just soooo sweet and adorable