My husband and I were thrilled to be done with the baby phase of our lives when we realized it was time to find a bigger home. Our small house, which had served us well with three toddlers, was no longer suitable for our growing school-aged kids. As we set off to explore new houses, I felt a surge of excitement about the next chapter of our lives.
That excitement quickly faded when an unsettling sensation washed over me. My skin felt clammy, I became dizzy, and my mouth was filled with saliva while my stomach churned with nausea. Deep down, I recognized this feeling all too well, but I desperately fought against the truth.
There was no way I could be pregnant! Statistically, it seemed impossible. But as reality set in, I had to face the fact: I was expecting a fourth child, even while relying on the Depo-Provera shot for contraception.
With each pregnancy, my morning sickness had intensified, and I had taken precautions to avoid expanding our family. Now, I found myself facing a fourth pregnancy like an unprepared contestant in the Hunger Games, unsure of what lay ahead.
Unfortunately, my situation was complicated by a genetic condition called degenerative disc disease, which causes my vertebrae to deteriorate. Thankfully, I lived in Michigan, where medical marijuana had become legal. I had previously obtained my license for pain management, but now I faced the dilemma of using it during pregnancy—there was a slight chance that THC could cross the placenta.
When I broke the news to my OB-GYN, he immediately prescribed Zofran, an anti-nausea medication, along with prenatal vitamins and adjustments to my pain management plan. He hoped that my morning sickness would subside by the end of the first trimester, but we both knew that was just wishful thinking.
As the days passed, my nausea worsened; what was commonly known as morning sickness had become a relentless battle. I spent hours researching every old wives’ tale and remedy I could find to alleviate my suffering.
By my second appointment, I had lost seven pounds, prompting my doctor to increase my Zofran dosage. At that point, I was just weeks away from what was supposed to be a reprieve from the nausea. Instead, I learned I had hyperemesis gravidarum—a severe form of morning sickness.
By my fourth appointment, I had lost a total of 14 pounds and was stuck on a liquid diet, as even protein shakes and smoothies made me sick. The doctor was concerned and ordered an ultrasound sooner than scheduled. The results showed intrauterine growth restriction, which added to my anxiety.
With three kids at home and no external support, I needed a solution fast. The only method I hadn’t tried yet was medical marijuana, which had previously helped me with nausea. It felt like my last hope to avoid a hospital stay for both myself and my unborn baby.
After some consideration, my doctor agreed to this trial. I had four weeks to gain five pounds, and he advised me against methods that could deprive my body of oxygen. I went home, rolled a joint, and finally found relief after twenty long weeks. Suddenly, my kitchen was no longer a battlefield of smell and texture that triggered my gag reflex.
I carefully managed my marijuana use, choosing strains low in THC that were known for their calming effects on the stomach, like White Rhino and Grape Ape. The stigma surrounding marijuana use during pregnancy still lingered in society, and I faced judgment from others for my choice. However, I refused to let their opinions sway me. I was well-informed about the potential risks and benefits and was determined to do what I felt was best for my unborn child.
Eighteen weeks after starting my marijuana therapy, I had gained 28 pounds. Soon after, my water broke unexpectedly while helping my daughter. After six hours of labor, my daughter arrived, weighing a healthy 6 pounds, 3 ounces, without any issues related to my marijuana use. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in both my body and the plant that had helped me through such a rough time.
Today, my daughter is a vibrant and spirited 4-year-old who loves life, and I am grateful for the choices I made during my pregnancy. While the odds may not have initially been in my favor, they certainly turned out well for my little miracle.
For more on navigating pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on Healthline. If you’re interested in self-insemination options, you can explore this at-home insemination kit. And to learn about more methods, read about this alternative approach.
In summary, my experience with hyperemesis gravidarum was a challenging journey, but through informed choices and the help of medical marijuana, I was able to bring my healthy daughter into the world.