Call for ‘royal standard’ in pregnancy sickness treatment

Two pregnancy charities have called for all women to be offered ‘royal standard’ of pregnancy sickness treatment.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) affects about one in every 200 pregnancies and results in severe nausea and vomiting, leading to dehydration, malnutrition and hospitalisation. Awareness of the condition has increased in the last few years as a result of the Duchess of Cambridge experiencing it during her three pregnancies.

However, evidence suggests that 53 per cent of women in the UK are still being denied safe, effective treatment to alleviate their symptoms. There is also developing belief that HG has a profound effect on women’s mental health

Pregnancy Sickness Support and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service are holding a conference to explore latest research and innovative treatment.

Caitlin Dean, chairperson of Pregnancy Sickness Support, said: ‎“Care and treatment options for Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) have improved massively in the last few years and research into the condition is finally attracting attention and tentative funding. Research to be presented today demonstrates the mental health effect of this condition can be profound and doesn’t always end when the baby is born but can persist for years after. Women can become severely depressed and even suicidal from months of isolation and the torture of the condition. HG can limit families and alter the trajectory of a woman’s life.”