Hyperemesis Gravidarum is one of the most misunderstood and debilitating conditions in pregnancy. This episode brings to light the realities behind what many dismiss as ordinary morning sickness. Charlotte Howden, Chief Executive Officer of Pregnancy Sickness Support, shares her personal journey with HG and how it inspired her to lead the UK charity dedicated to supporting those affected. Together we explore the evolution of advocacy, the state of care and education, access to medication, and the promising research that is changing the future for women with HG.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) Awareness 03:16 Charlotte's Personal Journey with HG 06:04 The Evolution of Pregnancy Sickness Support Group 08:49 Misconceptions Surrounding HG 11:37 Current State of HG Care and Education 17:21 Access to Medication and the Postcode Lottery 22:03 Emerging Research and Future Treatments for HG 28:38 How to Get Involved and Support HG Advocacy 33:02 Introduction to the Journey of Pregnancy 33:03 Support Systems in Early Pregnancy

About Pregnancy Sickness Support

Pregnancy Sickness Support is a UK-based charity dedicated to improving the experience and alleviating the suffering of those affected by pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk

Mission & Purpose They exist to champion the needs of people who experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) or HG, and to empower healthcare professionals by promoting evidence-based research and standards of care. pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk Their work encompasses:

• Operating a free helpline and peer support services pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk

• Educating and connecting sufferers, caregivers, and professionals with reliable information pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk

• Raising awareness of the condition at a public and clinical level pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk

• Encouraging and participating in research to better understand, treat, and support HG pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk

History & Growth Originally established in 2002 as a charitable trust, the organisation grew out of earlier clinical research into pregnancy sickness led by founders such as Dr Barnie-Adshead and Dr Gadsby. pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk Over time, PSS has expanded its staff, services, and scope—including launching a counselling program in early 2023. pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk

Team & Leadership PSS is supported by a combination of paid staff, volunteers, advisors, and trustees. pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk

• Charlotte Howden is Chief Executive Officer, having joined in August 2023. pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk

About Materna Healthcare:

Materna Healthcare is a first-of-its-kind medical practice dedicated to early pregnancy care. From preconception through the earliest stages of pregnancy, we provide expert, compassionate, same-day care designed to keep women out of the emergency room and connected to the support they need.

Learn more at www.maternahealthcare.com or reach out at [email protected]. Follow us on instagram @materna_health_

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