Introduction to HG: Hyperemesis Gravidarum
“Calling HG morning sickness is like calling a hurricane a little bit of rain” Jeremy King, Co-Founder of HER
HER Foundation
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Course Description
Have you (or a loved one) been diagnosed with HG? If the answer is yes, then “Hyperemesis Gravidarum I: Introduction” is the right course for you. You probably have little to no energy but a ton of unanswered questions. This course will provide you with a simple introduction to terminology, what to expect, and finally tips and concrete referrals for where you can find support.
Hyperemesis gravidarum: a potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease that may cause malnutrition, dehydration, and debility due to severe nausea and vomiting, and may cause long-term health issues for mom/baby.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum I: Introduction to HG is developed by the HER Foundation--the global voice of HG-- in collaboration with CanopyLAB. It is developed by women who themselves currently suffer from HG or who had HG in the past. We understand your worries, how you feel, and have created this course and space for you to feel safe while taking care of what is most important during this pregnancy - you and your baby/babies.
ABOUT THE HER FOUNDATION
The HER (Hyperemesis Education & Research) Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides support, groundbreaking research, advocacy, and education on hyperemesis. Since 2000, HER has been the leading source of information on HG and a trusted lifeline for hundreds of thousands of families across the globe.
Units
Unit 1
What is HG?
Most women are told they are not sick by friends, family, and doctors, BUT it can be a relief to be told you are sick. Chances are, you never heard of HG. If you have, perhaps what you read or was told was too academic, and you could not understand.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a disease of pregnancy marked by relentless nausea and/or vomiting and sensory sensitivity. This unit breaks down some important facts, so YOU can be aware and take control of your pregnancy and this disease.
SYMPTOMS
HG can cause rapid weight loss, dehydration, malnutrition, and other serious complications. Severe and/or untreated HG puts the current and future health and wellbeing of both mother and baby at risk.
CAUSES
HG is a complex disease whose causes are not yet fully understood. Research has found that family history is one piece of the puzzle. If your mother, aunt, grandmother, or sister experienced HG, you are more likely to suffer from it. We also know that HG recurs in more than 75% of mothers. HER Foundation research is unraveling the genetics.
WHAT HG IS NOT
It is not psychological or your fault or based on actions. In your genes.HG is one of the most misunderstood medical problems of pregnancy - despite being the leading cause of hospitalization during early pregnancy, and second only to preterm labor as the leading cause of hospitalization throughout pregnancy. Few health professionals are experienced in proactive management of more severe HG, necessitating a change in doctors or consultations with perinatologists for effective management.
Head over to the welcome video by Kimber MacGibbon, Executive Director and Co-Founder at the HER Foundation!