Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) : tips, support and resources
"Courage does not always roar" Marie Anne Radmacher
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 III: social-emotional issues” is the right course for you. This course will provide you with an introduction to the psycho-social issues HG families face 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.
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
Psychology: missing out on the experience
HG is a devastating condition to many women and their families. It can result in a loss of their job and future career, as well as render them completely dependent on those around them for a time. Some women are ill for only a few months, others for their entire pregnancy, vomiting until the actual birth of their child.
It can be traumatic emotionally and some women choose to forego future pregnancy plans. Often, proactive and aggressive treatment can alleviate some of the misery and lessen the negative impact on a woman's life. Finding a healthcare professional with this thinking and experience, however, can be a challenge. And tragically, 34% of HG pregnancies end in loss: the greatest missing out associated with HG.
In this unit, we've gathered resources to support your mental well-being throughout HG.
Unit 2
Work & social relations: the impact
Women with the most severe nausea and vomiting are unable to work or even care for themselves or their families for weeks, sometimes months. The vomiting and weight loss leads to debilitating fatigue, and sometimes depression. Even women who do not have severe nausea and vomiting sometimes choose elective termination (abortion) to avoid the misery and stress they will face.
Unit 3
Advice & Support
HG is not your fault. It is not in your head; it is in your genes. While it is not a replacement for a healthy pregnancy, a lot of moms find comfort in the relationships they develop with other HG moms. These connections can be a lifeline during the isolation of HG.
Helping support other moms with HG, either during, or after your pregnancy can help some with healing and finding meaning. There are opportunities to help by volunteering, or participating in HG research.
Read and watch other HG moms share their story!