I know it is not my sympathy that you need at this time but I do understand what you are going through. Different solutions work for different women. I am assuming you have read the suggestion on my web site www.ourmidwife.com.au/articles/morningsickness.html

For some women nothing seems to work completely. What you need to do is find a way to control the nausea as best you can on a day to day basis. It will pass in 4 to 6 weeks. Having a very small amount of dry food about half an hour before you get out of bed in the morning is one suggestion. Get as much sleep as you can during this time. Late nights are definitely out. Does your partner understand what you are going through? His complete support is very important and although it does not stop the distress you are feeling it will help you cope with it.

Your headache could be caused by several things. Because you are unable to eat normally it could be low blood sugar. Unfortunately the only solution to this is to eat a high energy snack when it is really bad and I know that has problems for you. It could be due to dehydration. When a woman is feeling nauseous it is possible that she may neglect to take sufficient fluids because even water will make her feel sick. Again the solution is to drink more water. Try to take small sips frequently. Some women find that sucking ice helps them. It is worth a try.

Another cause is sensitivity to the increased pregnancy hormones. These settle down at about 12 to 14 weeks. Acupuncture may help with the headaches but it would be important to find someone who is experienced in women's health issues. If you live in Sydney there are several I could recommend. There may be not be one complete answer for you but I would suggest that you try to find ways to make it as easy as possible for yourself until it passes.

I have had two children, with both I had terrible morning sickness up to six months and both times was admitted to hospital for dehydration. It is impossible to even keep down a mouthful of water, let alone food. I am now with a new partner and we would both like a child but I am extremely scared of the way I feel when pregnant. Is there any type of medication that can be taken, that doesn't harm the baby or me.

My last pregnancy after two days in hospital, I felt quite good but after 36 hours at home, I went down again. I have tried a lot of things from ginger to having plain biscuits before getting out of bed in the morning, Maxalon (I think that's the name of the tablets) to resting constantly. With my first child at 6 months I still only weighed 47 kg and I am tall. Please help I would love another child but this is putting me off.

What you seem to be describing is more likely to be hyperemesis gravidarum rather than nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness). The exact cause of this condition is unknown although it is generally believed to be caused by an increased sensitivity to the pregnancy hormones. Unfortunately, if it has occurred in your previous pregnancies it is likely to re occur in future pregnancies. The usual form of treatment is to treat the symptoms as they occur.

There is current research that appears to show an association between a bacteria in the stomach called helicobactor pylori and hyperemesis gravidarum. You may want to talk to your G.P. about being tested for this bacterium. There are several ways of testing for it. The most common way is with a blood sample or a breath test. If it is present and treated before you get pregnant, it could make a difference. The studies that I have read are not conclusive as some women show positive for the bacteria without having the severe problem of hyperemesis. I am sorry that I cannot give you a more positive answer to your query.

I am currently trying to gather information on 'hyperemeses gravidarum'. I read your article on morning sickness, which was very beneficial, and I would like to hear of any other information you may have.

I became pregnant with my first child in Jan 02. I experiences morning sickness from the very beginning and it continued all day and all night until I was exactly 3 months pregnant. At first I experienced dry wrenching which occurred at least fifteen times per day. This then rapidly changed to vomiting was occurred on average every hour, day and night. I was hospitalised on three separate occasions as I was losing weight and was extremely dehydrated. I tried taking ginger, eating dry crackers, injecting Maxalon and drinking tea - none of which were successful. When the morning sickness finally stopped, I had gone 11 weeks without eating a meal, I had lost twelve kilos, resigned from my full time work and had dealt with many different psychological barriers. Fortunately in Nov 03 I gave birth to a wonderful baby boy who I adore and has given my husband and me so much happiness.

Unfortunately my experiences of pregnancy are not positive and I have thoughts of not having any more children. However, my loving husband would like to have a second child. I would love to know any statistics that may show my chances of avoiding hyperemeses gravidarum for my second pregnancy.

Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated.