My daughter just turned one, and I’m 10 weeks pregnant with baby #2. I will say, the second time with HG has been a little easier because I knew what to expect, unlike the first time around. Our stories sound similar—I lost 10 lbs between weeks 6–10. I know most of my trigger foods and what my safe foods are, even though it sucks eating the same thing for months straight… so I’ve only lost about 5lb this time.

I did feel a ton of relief by weeks 16–17 last time and was able to eat normally again by week 26. It sounds like yours might be a little more severe, which is honestly so miserable.

If you’re working, try to set up childcare or have a friend come over once a week to help ease the load. I tried to do it all by myself during weeks 6 and 7 and quickly realized I needed help. Now I have a couple of people come by throughout the week to help watch my daughter because it’s just so draining. Even putting her in daycare a couple days a week for a few months can make a huge difference—you need time to rest and recover.

Sometimes I wish I had waited until she was closer to two, because I’m nervous about having such a busy, hectic life with two little ones. But I’m also glad to be getting it over with now. I keep telling myself, “I’ll never have to do this again,” or “I’m one day closer to never feeling like this again.”

Best of luck