Washington, DC – Sept. 8, 2014 – In response to this morning’s announcement of the Duchess of Cambridge’s pregnancy and treatment for Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), the Hyperemesis Education and Research (HER) Foundation extends best wishes for the health of both mom and baby during a joyful yet challenging time.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s second pregnancy with HG is a reminder: Women who experience this condition face an 80% chance of repeat diagnosis in future pregnancies. And while the severity and duration of symptoms vary among women, HG remains a debilitating and even life-threatening medical condition that can have serious consequences for the health of both mom and baby.
Distinct from the mild and short-lived “morning sickness” common to most healthy pregnancies, HG is characterized by relentless, severe vomiting and/or nausea leading to rapid weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration. It is linked to significant costs for fetal health, maternal health, and the economic wellbeing of families and communities – and is particularly threatening to mothers without immediate access to treatment, including low-income women and those in developing nations.
“Access to prompt, knowledgeable, and consistent medical care for HG has enormous impact on health outcomes and a mother’s experience with this condition,” said Kimber Wakefield MacGibbon, R.N., HER Foundation co-founder and Director of Education and Research. “While we can’t anticipate the severity or duration of the Duchess of Cambridge’s illness, and she is undoubtedly receiving expert care, our hearts go out to her as she experiences the disruption of health, work, and family life that thousands of HG women endure each year, during what should be a time of unreserved celebration. It is our hope that through increased support for desperately-needed HG research, as well as education and direct support, we can give some of the joy of pregnancy back to HG women.”
Learn more about HG the work of the HER Foundation.
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About HER Foundation
For more than 10 years, Hyperemesis Education and Research (HER) Foundation has been the voice of HG women and families. This volunteer-led, grassroots organization funds HG research, provides direct support to thousands of women across the globe each year, educates about the impact of HG on maternal and child health, and advocates for HG patients.
