Mother Shares Heartbreaking Firsthand Account Of Pregnancy Ordeal

Surviving Nine Months by Sherry Rudd

What is it about?

What if you have terribly debilitating “morning sickness” that lasts throughout your pregnancy? This is the situation author Sherry Rudd found herself in, which she shares about her in her book Surviving Nine Months.

We often hear about the “joys of pregnancy.” Many women love being pregnant and they absolutely glow. Of course, many mothers-to-be suffer from morning sickness in the first 3 months of pregnancy, but then it subsides. However, what if you have terribly debilitating “morning sickness” that lasts all day? whole pregnancy, and not only in the morning? This is the situation author Sherry Rudd found herself in, which she shares in her book, survive nine months.

It was 1995, and Sherry was young, active, and newly engaged. She was happily planning her wedding when she found out that she was pregnant. Virtually overnight, Sherry went from a healthy young adult to bedridden and barely able to function. She felt scared and alone without knowing what was wrong with her. She kept hoping that once she got to the second trimester she would feel better. Everyone told her that this would happen, but unfortunately, her suffering did not stop.

In fact, things got even worse. She couldn’t keep any food down, smells of all kinds made her gag and she would spend hours huddled on the bathroom floor…she was pure torture, both physical and mental. “I was depressed. I was angry. I was sick. I was overwhelmed. I was pregnant and miserable.”

YOU WILL NEED SOME FABRICS

Getting a diagnosis didn’t fix much as there was nothing that could help 25 years ago. Although things have progressed medically since then and there are now some medications that can help, often the side effects of these medications cause their own problems.

Rudd suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). This is a rare disorder “characterized by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that may require hospitalization…affected women experience dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and loss of more than 5% of their original body weight.” This disorder affects less than 2% of all pregnant women, but those who is it so affected suffer a lot. While this is torture for the mother, it’s certainly not good for the baby either!

As Rudd describes it: “Basically, from conception to birth…my life was a twisted, altered universe of what used to be my normal, healthy, energetic life. Every day was a struggle… ”Reading about Sherry’s experience throughout the 9 months of her pregnancy was heartbreaking. She was so sick, so alone, and so scared.

Rudd says she decided to write her story so that other women suffering from HG can know they are not alone like she thought. She also chose to tell the stories of others, to be her voice. Quotes from other women who have suffered from HG begin each chapter and more are included at the end of the book.

“HG is life-changing,” says Tonje from Norway.

“My doctor looked me in the eye and said, ‘There’s no possible way you’re going to get sick 30 or 40 times a day. That’s just not possible…you don’t need to be a drama queen…’” says Kristina from Nevada.

“Imagine your WORST hangover times 10 for 9 months,” says Samantha from Texas.

“HG is not a joke. It’s not just ‘morning sickness,’” says Alisha from New Zealand.

A SHATTERING STORY

The author says that although HG may not affect many pregnant women, permanently It affects all women who experience it. Rudd says there should be more support for women suffering from HG and it’s imperative to raise awareness and let others know they’re not alone.

You’ll need some tissues handy as you read Sherry’s heartbreaking and heartfelt story and the stories of others who have suffered with HG. Everyone’s journey is different, but empathy and support is needed for everyone. Please pass this book on to anyone you know who has suffered or is suffering from HG. They will thank you.

Note: A portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to HER (Hyperemesis Research and Education Foundation) – www.hiperemesis.org.