Hypoglycemia and Morning Sickness Challenges

SevenOfNine

I learned later in life, but years before children were though of, that I have hypoglycemia. One of my most common hypoglycemic symptoms is nausea that intensifies over time. I actually discovered several years back, through trial and error, that my blood sugar responds best to a high protein diet, especially first thing in the morning. Since learning this, I have had little or no problems other than the rare day that I slept in way too late, or foolishly skipped breakfast.

 Now that am almost 7 weeks pregnant morning sickness has added major complications to my eating habits. I now struggle to gag down a small breakfast of mostly carbohydrates and fruit, because that is what I can stomach, but it is not enough to last me until lunch. I work at a part time job about 5 days a week as a cashier in a grocery store. While I am working I am not allowed to eat or drink anything, though they do allow me to eat hard candies because of my unique situation. The candies alleviate immediate symptoms, but don't really prevent a crash. I only get a 15 minute break, and by the time I get to eat my snack I am super nauseated from hunger and from scanning through cartload after cartload of other people's food. It is a struggle to munch down a couple of apple slices. I can't take much extra time, if any, because then my coworkers won't get their breaks. By the time I am ready to come home I am nauseated and weak, and my appetite has almost completely died. I spend my evenings in pain and misery, and wake up a lot at night because of hunger and discomfort. I have started late night snacking just to try to get back to sleep.

People keep saying that I have to make sure I eat nutritious foods, but I am so desperate and happy to be able to eat anything at all that I really don't care about the preservatives or the refined ingredients, as long as I think I can stomach it. I just want to avoid vomiting (dry heaves from low blood sugar) or passing out.

I have been trying to think of simpler ways to get protein in me, such as high protein shakes, since drinking often seems easier than eating when I feel nauseated. I used to love almonds, but now the thought of them makes me queasy. My husband suggested that I try walnuts since they are more oily and soft, and I might not be as sensitive to them. Boiled eggs is another of my best standard proteins that I am having trouble eating now. I am trying to think of something that might make a suitable replacement. I specifically need items I could take in a lunch bag for a snack that don't require cooking or extensive preparation. Perhaps something salty. Anyone have suggestions or similar stories?

Amaryllismagic

String cheese, greek yogurt, anything with peanut butter, Payday, Snickers, crackers & cheese, pretzels, chex mix, instant oatmeal, avocado/guacamole, Clif bars, deli turkey (if you can keep it refrigerated!)  I've been drinking one of those little chocolate protein shakes (Target brand, in a carton like choc milk) every morning and it helps a LOT to get that first jolt of protein and something cold to settle my stomach. 

I feel your pain! I don't have full blown hypoglycemia, but I have always gotten weak, shaky, and nauseated when I get too hungry. When are you going to tell your boss/coworkers? They need to let you have a stool at your register, that will help with the fatigue or when you feel dizzy. The last thing you need is to pass out!  Do your best to take care of yourself and your baby, I know it's hard when NOTHING sounds good to eat and you're so limited in your break. 

SevenOfNine

Thanks for the food suggestions! My first OB appointment is early next month, so I can discuss my morning sickness with them then. Two of my managers now know I am pregnant, and can send me on a quick break or have someone take over for me if I tell them I am feeling weak or shaky. I can't really fit a stool in the small lanes at our registers, and I need to be constantly moving, so that idea is probably out. My body does give me a lot of warning though before I start to feel light headed, so I don't think I am in danger of super sudden fainting.

bjb1979

yes I second peanut butter, I also have this problem, a high protein breakfast and main meals, good fats and spoonfuls of peanut butter throughout the work day are a saviour.

sensoregurl

I too have reactive hypoglycemia and tend towards nausea/not eating. I find that a mix of protein, fat and carbs stabilizes me best even when pregnant, and I have to force myself to eat sometimes. If I was eating just carbs for breakfast I would be sick a lot too. I'm struggling through my first tri as well, it's really hard when you know you have to eat but can't eat much.

Have you tried nitrate-free beef sticks? Breakfast sausage? Cottage cheese? Scrambled eggs instead of boiled? Cheese (if you can handle dairy)? I used to make homemade beef/turkey meatballs (but since getting pregnant I CANNOT - YUCK - but it's not your food aversions here). I've been ok with chicken breast, chicken salad, and chicken/salsa/beans/sour cream. You don't have to eat breakfast food for breakfast! Also, get enough fat - real butter, coconut milk, cream, nuts (macadamia are my favorite right now). Hard candies and high glycemic carbs are just going to make you crash again. I'm doing whey protein shakes right now - coconut milk, 1/4 c berries, whey protein powder, spinach, and ground flax seed. I can stomach them but they don't last long, I'm usually hungry in 1.5 hours.

Carbs should be complex carbs (ezekiel bread, starchy veggies, beans). Fruit should be sparing - small amounts maybe twice a day - always paired with protein and fat.

This condition sucks, and it's really hard to manage for the first tri, but you need to eat right and good healthy food more than most people. I don't think low blood sugar is good for developing brains. And put some food next to your bed for nighttime - a swig of whole milk or coconut milk usually does it for me and I'm back to sleep within 20 minutes. From what I've heard most people's RH pretty much goes into remission 2nd and 3rd tri - I am so looking forward to that. There's a hypo facebook group, you may want to come join us if you need more ideas.

becks2012

Do you have access to a refridgerator at work? Maybe try fruit smoothies with protein powder or yogurt added?

SevenOfNine

I have found a couple of things that seem to work really well for me.

Turkey bacon works first thing in the morning. Kefir is also really good at breakfast. Whole chocolate milk works well too, but I can only have small amounts since I am mildly sensitive to lactose.

For my job I can carry chunks of beef jerky in a baggie in my pocket, and snack on them when no customers are around.

Salted peanuts have been a LIFE SAVER, and I can keep them by my bed or in my purse. Cheez It crackers are a great salty snack, but not the healthiest, so I use them sparingly for a quick stomach settler. I have also found a type of healthy Kashi crunchy grain bar with pumpkin and flax seeeds that works well for a late night snack.

Ice water also helps with my nausea. Usually I can't stand it because it gives me a head ache, but for some reason the sharp chill dampens my nausea.

I am trying the Sea Bands anti nausea wrist bands. We shall see how well they work.

Ginger has not worked so well for me. I think it is partially reverse psychology; I have used it mainly when my stomach is upset, so the taste and smell of ginger makes me think of feeling sick.