International Pregnancy Sickness Support & Resources

United Kingdom Organisations and Helplines

The UK has some of the most established support infrastructure for pregnancy sickness and HG in the world. The following organisations provide direct support, clinical resources, and advocacy:

Pregnancy Sickness Support (PSS)

Pregnancy Sickness Support is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting women with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum. Founded by women who have experienced HG, the charity provides:

• Telephone helpline: 024 7569 0504 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm). Staffed by trained volunteers with lived experience of pregnancy sickness, supported by clinical advisors.
• Email support: Confidential email support for women, partners, and family members.
• Peer support volunteers: Matched one-to-one support from volunteers who have been through HG themselves.
• Information resources: Evidence-based guides, leaflets, and factsheets for patients and healthcare professionals.
• Healthcare professional resources: Clinical updates, training materials, and consultation support for GPs, midwives, and obstetricians.
• Advocacy: Campaigning for improved recognition, treatment, and research funding for pregnancy sickness and HG.
• Website: pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk

Other UK Support and Information Services

• NHS 111: Telephone 111 (24 hours, 7 days a week) for urgent medical advice when your GP surgery is closed. NHS 111 can arrange out-of-hours GP appointments and direct you to the most appropriate service.
• Samaritans: Telephone 116 123 (free, 24 hours, 7 days a week). If pregnancy sickness is affecting your mental health and you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans are always available. You do not need to be suicidal to call — they support anyone in emotional distress.
• PANDAS Foundation: Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support. Helpline: 0808 1961 776 (Monday–Sunday, 11am–10pm). Supports women experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and after birth, including those related to HG.
• Tommy’s: UK pregnancy charity providing information on pregnancy health, including NVP. Midwife helpline: 0800 0147 800 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm). Website: tommys.org
• Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy): Part of the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS). Provides evidence-based patient information leaflets on medication safety in pregnancy. Website: medicinesinpregnancy.org
• NCT (National Childbirth Trust): Offers antenatal courses, postnatal support, and a helpline for pregnancy and early parenthood concerns. Helpline: 0300 330 0700.
• Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC): While focused on pre-eclampsia, APEC provides information on related pregnancy complications that may co-exist with or be confused with HG. Helpline: 020 8427 4217.

UK Clinical Guidelines

• RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 69: The Management of Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum. The definitive UK clinical guideline for healthcare professionals. Available from rcog.org.uk. This guideline underpins the treatment approach recommended by Pregnancy Sickness Support.
• NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary — Nausea/Vomiting in Pregnancy: Practical primary care guidance including assessment, when to refer, and prescribing. Available from cks.nice.org.uk.
• British National Formulary (BNF): Individual drug monographs with prescribing information including pregnancy and breastfeeding advice. Available from bnf.nice.org.uk.

United States Resources

The United States has a strong network of HG support and research organisations, along with well-established clinical guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

HER Foundation (Hyperemesis Education and Research)

The HER Foundation is the leading international organisation dedicated specifically to hyperemesis gravidarum. Founded in 2000, it provides:

• Comprehensive information: Extensive website with evidence-based information for patients, families, and healthcare providers.
• Research programme: Funds and facilitates HG research, maintains a research registry of HG survivors, and collaborates with academic institutions worldwide.
• Healthcare provider directory: A searchable database of healthcare providers who are experienced in treating HG.
• Online support: Forums, social media communities, and peer support programmes.
• Advocacy: Works to raise awareness of HG among the public, media, and medical profession.
• Publications: Produces educational materials, infographics, and awareness campaign resources.
• Website: hyperemesis.org

ACOG Guidelines

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) publishes Practice Bulletin No. 189: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. Key differences from UK guidance include:

• First-line treatment: ACOG recommends doxylamine-pyridoxine combination (branded as Diclegis/Bonjesta) as the standard first-line pharmacological treatment, reflecting its FDA-approved status and extensive safety data.
• Stepped approach: Similar to the UK, ACOG recommends a stepwise escalation from lifestyle modifications through first-line antiemetics to combination therapy and, in severe cases, corticosteroids.
• Ondansetron: ACOG recognises ondansetron as an effective option, acknowledging the small possible cleft palate risk and recommending informed consent discussions.
• Available from: acog.org (member access) or through medical libraries.

Other US Resources

• MotherToBaby: A service of the Organisation of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS). Provides evidence-based information on medication exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Telephone: 1-866-626-6847. Website: mothertobaby.org
• March of Dimes: US pregnancy and baby health organisation with resources on pregnancy complications including severe morning sickness. Website: marchofdimes.org
• Postpartum Support International (PSI): While focused on postpartum conditions, PSI also supports women with antenatal mental health difficulties related to pregnancy complications such as HG. Helpline: 1-800-944-4773. Website: postpartum.net
• Office on Women’s Health (OWH): Part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Provides general information on morning sickness and pregnancy health. Website: womenshealth.gov

Australia and New Zealand Support

Australia and New Zealand have growing support networks for women with pregnancy sickness and HG, along with clinical guidelines from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).

HG Australia

HG Australia is a peer-led support organisation providing information and support to Australian women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

• Online support: Active social media communities, particularly on Facebook, providing peer support and information sharing.
• Information resources: Factsheets and guides tailored to the Australian healthcare context, including Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) information.
• Advocacy: Works to raise awareness of HG in Australia and improve access to treatment.
• Healthcare provider awareness: Aims to educate Australian GPs and obstetricians about evidence-based HG management.

RANZCOG Guidelines

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists provides clinical guidance on the management of NVP and HG. Key features include:

• Emphasis on early assessment and treatment initiation
• Recommendation of thiamine supplementation for women with prolonged vomiting
• Stepped antiemetic treatment approach similar to RCOG guidelines
• Recognition of the psychological impact of HG and the need for mental health support

Other Australian and New Zealand Resources

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): National helpline for perinatal mental health concerns, including those arising from HG. Telephone: 1300 726 306 (Monday–Saturday, 9am–7:30pm AEST). Website: panda.org.au
• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline (Australia): Free national helpline providing information and support. Telephone: 1800 882 436 (24 hours, 7 days a week). Website: pregnancybirthbaby.org.au
• NZ Healthline: Free health advice telephone service. Telephone: 0800 611 116 (24 hours, 7 days a week).
• Plunket (New Zealand): Provides pregnancy and parenting information and support. PlunketLine: 0800 933 922. Website: plunket.org.nz
• MotherSafe (NSW, Australia): A specialist telephone service providing advice on medication exposures in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Telephone: 02 9382 6539 (Sydney) or 1800 647 848 (outside Sydney). A resource similar to the UK’s UKTIS.

Canada Resources

Canada has well-established guidelines for managing NVP and HG, with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) providing clinical guidance.

SOGC Guidelines

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) publishes a Clinical Practice Guideline on the management of NVP. Key features include:

• First-line treatment: Like ACOG, SOGC recommends doxylamine-pyridoxine combination (branded as Diclectin in Canada) as the first-line pharmacological treatment. This medication has been widely used in Canada since the 1970s and has one of the strongest safety profiles of any medication in pregnancy.
• Dimenhydrinate: SOGC includes dimenhydrinate (Gravol) as a first-line option, which is less commonly used in the UK but is widely available in Canada.
• PUQE score: SOGC endorses the PUQE (Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis) scoring system for severity assessment, which was originally developed by Canadian researchers.
• Ondansetron: Recognised as effective for refractory cases, with counselling about the possible small risk.

Canadian Support Organisations

• Motherisk (legacy): The Motherisk programme at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto was one of the world’s leading resources for information on drug safety in pregnancy. Although the Motherisk helpline was closed in 2019, much of its research and educational material remains available and continues to inform clinical practice globally. The Motherisk programme’s research on doxylamine-pyridoxine was particularly influential.
• MotherToBaby Canada / MotherRisk Replacement Services: Following the closure of Motherisk, several provincial services have emerged to provide medication safety information during pregnancy. Check with your local health authority for the service available in your province.
• Perinatal Mental Health Programmes: Each Canadian province has perinatal mental health services that can support women experiencing psychological distress related to HG. Contact your local health authority or maternity care provider for referral.
• Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 (24 hours, 7 days a week). Similar services exist in other provinces.
• Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or text 45645 for anyone in emotional distress, including pregnancy-related mental health crises.

European Support Organisations

Support for pregnancy sickness and HG across Europe varies significantly by country. Some nations have well-established organisations, while in others, support is primarily provided through general maternity services. Below is a country-by-country overview of available resources.

Republic of Ireland

• Hyperemesis Ireland: A support and advocacy organisation for women with HG in Ireland. Provides online information, peer support through social media, and works to raise awareness among Irish healthcare providers. Ireland follows clinical guidance similar to the UK (RCOG guidelines), though local prescribing practices may vary.
• HSE (Health Service Executive): Ireland’s public health service provides maternity care information. Website: hse.ie
• Nurture Health: Irish perinatal mental health charity providing support for mental health difficulties in pregnancy and postnatally. Website: nurturehealth.ie

Netherlands

• Stichting Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Dutch foundation dedicated to HG awareness, support, and research. Provides information in Dutch and some English-language resources. Active in advocating for improved HG care in the Netherlands.
• NVOG (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Obstetrie en Gynaecologie): The Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology publishes clinical guidelines on HG management, available in Dutch.

Scandinavian Countries

• Norway: The Norwegian health service (Helsenorge) provides information on pregnancy sickness. Norwegian research institutions have contributed significantly to understanding the genetics of HG, including groundbreaking studies on the GDF15 gene.
• Sweden: The Swedish healthcare system (Vårdguiden/1177) provides information on pregnancy sickness. Antiemetic prescribing follows European guidelines with local adaptations.
• Denmark: Danish maternity services provide treatment following national guidelines. The large Danish Birth Cohort has been an important source of medication safety data in pregnancy, including key ondansetron studies.
• Finland: Finnish maternity care includes treatment for NVP and HG through the public healthcare system (Kela-supported).

France

• CRAT (Centre de Référence sur les Agents Tératogènes): The French national reference centre for teratogenic agents provides medication safety information for pregnancy. Website: lecrat.fr (in French). A valuable resource for French-speaking women and healthcare providers.
• CNGOF (Collège National des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens Français): Publishes French national guidelines on obstetric management, including NVP.

Germany

• Embryotox: The German reference centre for drug safety in pregnancy and lactation, based at the Charité hospital in Berlin. Provides evidence-based information in German and some English. Website: embryotox.de
• DGGG (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe): Publishes German clinical guidelines on obstetric conditions including NVP management.

Italy, Spain, and Portugal

• Italy: Italian maternity services provide treatment for NVP and HG through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). The Italian Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SIGO) publishes relevant clinical guidelines.
• Spain: The Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SEGO) provides clinical guidance. Doxylamine-pyridoxine (branded as Cariban) is widely available and commonly prescribed in Spain.
• Portugal: Portuguese maternity services follow European guidelines. The Portuguese health service (SNS) provides pregnancy care information.

Comparison of HG Treatment Protocols by Country

Treatment approaches for pregnancy sickness and HG vary internationally. The following table compares key aspects of clinical guidelines across major English-speaking countries:

Aspect	UK (RCOG)	USA (ACOG)	Canada (SOGC)	Australia (RANZCOG)
Primary Guideline	Green-top Guideline No. 69	Practice Bulletin No. 189	SOGC Clinical Practice Guideline	RANZCOG Statements & Guidelines
Assessment Tool	PUQE score recommended	PUQE score referenced	PUQE score endorsed (Canadian origin)	PUQE score referenced
First-Line Medication	Cyclizine, promethazine, or prochlorperazine	Doxylamine + pyridoxine (Diclegis)	Doxylamine + pyridoxine (Diclectin)	Doxylamine + pyridoxine or antihistamines
Ondansetron Position	Supported when other antiemetics fail; informed consent	Recognised as effective; counsel about small risk	For refractory cases; counsel about evidence	Second/third-line; counsel about risk-benefit
Corticosteroids	Reserved for refractory HG; avoid before 10 weeks if possible	For refractory cases; methylprednisolone preferred	For refractory cases after other options exhausted	For severe refractory cases; specialist supervision
IV Fluid Approach	Normal saline first-line; ambulatory care encouraged	Lactated Ringer’s or normal saline; outpatient infusion where available	Normal saline or Ringer’s lactate	Normal saline or Hartmann’s; ambulatory care recommended
Thiamine Supplementation	Strongly recommended; IV before dextrose	Recommended for prolonged vomiting	Recommended for prolonged vomiting	Strongly recommended; IV Pabrinex equivalent
Psychological Assessment	Actively recommended; PHQ-9 and GAD-7	Recognised but less formalised	Acknowledged; referral to mental health services	Recognised; PANDA referral pathway
Healthcare Costs	Free at point of use (NHS)	Insurance-dependent; significant out-of-pocket possible	Publicly funded with some provincial variation	Publicly funded (Medicare); some out-of-pocket for medications

International Research Organisations

Research into the causes, genetics, and treatment of HG has accelerated in recent years, driven by dedicated researchers and the advocacy of patient organisations. The following institutions and programmes are at the forefront of HG research:

Academic Research Groups

• University of Southern California (USC) — Marlena Fejzo Lab: Dr Marlena Fejzo and her team have led groundbreaking research into the genetics of HG, identifying the role of the GDF15 (Growth Differentiation Factor 15) and IGFBP7 genes. Their work has fundamentally changed the scientific understanding of HG from a “psychological” condition to a genetically influenced biological one. This research has opened the door to potential targeted therapies.
• University of Cambridge: Researchers at Cambridge have contributed to understanding the role of GDF15 in pregnancy sickness, including studies on how the body’s sensitivity to this hormone may determine who develops severe symptoms.
• King’s College London: Research into the obstetric and psychological outcomes of HG, including long-term follow-up of women and babies affected by severe pregnancy sickness.
• University of Bergen, Norway: Norwegian researchers have used the Medical Birth Registry of Norway to conduct large population-based studies on pregnancy sickness, its risk factors, and its outcomes.
• Karolinska Institutet, Sweden: Swedish registry-based research has contributed important epidemiological data on NVP and HG outcomes.

Research Funding Bodies

• HER Foundation Research Programme: Directly funds HG research projects and maintains the largest international registry of women who have experienced HG. The registry facilitates genetic and epidemiological research.
• National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), UK: Funds clinical research in the NHS, including studies on pregnancy complications. Researchers can apply for funding through NIHR programmes.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA: The world’s largest funder of biomedical research. NIH-funded studies have contributed to understanding HG genetics and treatment.
• Wellcome Trust: UK-based global charitable foundation that funds biomedical research, including pregnancy-related studies.

The GDF15 Breakthrough

Perhaps the most significant development in HG research in recent years has been the identification of GDF15 as a key factor in pregnancy sickness. Key findings include:

• GDF15 is a hormone produced by the placenta that rises dramatically in early pregnancy.
• Women who develop HG tend to have higher levels of GDF15 or greater sensitivity to it.
• Genetic variants affecting GDF15 production or its receptor (GFRAL) are associated with HG risk.
• Pre-pregnancy exposure to GDF15 (naturally higher levels before conception) appears to be protective, potentially explaining why HG is less common in second pregnancies for some women.
• This research has opened the possibility of developing targeted therapies or even preventive treatments for HG — a genuinely exciting prospect for the millions of women affected worldwide.

Online Communities and Forums

Online peer support can be invaluable when you are suffering from pregnancy sickness, particularly if you are housebound or bed-bound. Connecting with other women who truly understand what you are going through can reduce isolation and provide practical advice. The following communities are active and well-moderated:

Social Media Groups

• Pregnancy Sickness Support Facebook Group: An active, moderated group where women share experiences, advice, and support. Administered by PSS volunteers with lived HG experience.
• HER Foundation Facebook Group: International community with members from around the world. Particularly active with US-based members but welcomes women from all countries.
• HG Australia Facebook Group: Focused on the Australian experience, including navigating the Australian healthcare system.
• Hyperemesis Ireland Facebook Group: Support for women in Ireland dealing with HG.
• Instagram: Search hashtags such as #hyperemesisgravidarum, #HGwarrior, #pregnancysickness, and #HGawareness for personal stories, information, and community.

Reddit Communities

• r/HyperemesisGravidarum: A dedicated subreddit for women with HG. Active community with discussions on treatment, coping strategies, emotional support, and recovery. Particularly useful for anonymous support if you are not comfortable sharing on other platforms.
• r/BabyBumps: A large pregnancy community where pregnancy sickness is frequently discussed. Useful for general pregnancy support alongside HG-specific discussions.
• r/PregnancyUK: UK-focused pregnancy community with discussions about NHS care, medications available in the UK, and UK-specific support services.

Forums and Websites

• Mumsnet Pregnancy Forum: The UK’s largest parenting forum has an active pregnancy section where NVP and HG are frequently discussed. Mumsnet users are known for being direct, informative, and supportive. Search for existing threads on hyperemesis for a wealth of practical advice.
• BabyCentre Birth Clubs: Month-specific groups where you can connect with women at the same stage of pregnancy, many of whom may be experiencing similar symptoms.
• Netmums: UK parenting website with an active forum including pregnancy sickness discussions.

Support in Other Languages

Pregnancy sickness affects women everywhere, regardless of language. While English-language resources are the most extensive, the following resources are available in other languages or can help bridge the language gap:

Multilingual Resources

• French: CRAT (Centre de Référence sur les Agents Tératogènes) at lecrat.fr provides medication safety information in French. The French national health service (Assurance Maladie) at ameli.fr also provides pregnancy health information in French.
• German: Embryotox at embryotox.de provides comprehensive medication safety information in German for pregnancy and breastfeeding. The German Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) at familienplanung.de provides pregnancy health information.
• Dutch: Stichting Hyperemesis Gravidarum provides HG-specific information in Dutch. The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) and KNOV (Royal Dutch Organisation of Midwives) provide pregnancy health resources.
• Spanish: The Spanish Ministry of Health and the SEGO (Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) provide pregnancy guidelines in Spanish. MotherToBaby also offers some factsheets in Spanish at mothertobaby.org.
• Arabic: Limited dedicated HG resources exist in Arabic. NHS Choices provides some health information in Arabic. Interpreter services should be accessed through your healthcare provider. The charity Medical Aid for Palestinians provides health information relevant to Arabic-speaking communities.
• Polish: Poland has a significant diaspora community in the UK. NHS Choices provides some materials in Polish, and interpreter services are available through the NHS. The Polish midwifery association (Polskie Towarzystwo Położnych) provides pregnancy information.
• Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, and other South Asian languages: Limited dedicated HG resources exist in South Asian languages. NHS interpreter services are available for medical appointments. Community organisations may provide informal translation support.
• Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese): Limited dedicated HG resources. NHS interpreter services should be accessed for medical appointments. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners may offer complementary approaches (acupuncture, herbal medicine), but always inform your NHS healthcare provider of any additional treatments.

Accessing Interpreter Services

If English is not your first language and you are receiving healthcare in the UK:

• NHS interpreter services: You have the right to a professional interpreter for all NHS appointments, free of charge. Ask the reception staff when booking your appointment, or ask your midwife or GP to arrange an interpreter.
• Language Line: Many GP surgeries and hospitals use Language Line, a telephone interpreting service that can provide immediate access to interpreters in over 240 languages.
• Do not rely on family members to interpret, particularly for sensitive medical discussions about medication safety, mental health, or treatment preferences. A professional interpreter ensures accuracy and confidentiality.
• Written materials: Ask your healthcare provider if patient information leaflets are available in your language. Many hospitals produce multilingual resources for common conditions.

Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns

Raising awareness of pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum is crucial for improving treatment, reducing stigma, and securing research funding. Several campaigns and awareness initiatives operate internationally:

HG Awareness Day (15 May)

Observed annually on 15 May, HG Awareness Day is an international campaign to raise awareness of hyperemesis gravidarum. Organised primarily by the HER Foundation and supported by organisations worldwide including Pregnancy Sickness Support, the day features:

• Social media campaigns using the hashtag #HGAwarenessDay
• Sharing of personal stories by HG survivors
• Educational content for healthcare providers
• Media engagement to highlight the severity of HG
• Fundraising for HG research and support services

Pregnancy Sickness Support Campaigns

PSS runs year-round advocacy campaigns including:

• “Not Just Morning Sickness” campaign: Challenging the trivialisation of pregnancy sickness and raising awareness of the full spectrum of NVP and HG severity.
• Healthcare professional education: Working with medical schools, GP training programmes, and midwifery courses to improve the teaching of NVP and HG management.
• Parliamentary engagement: Engaging with UK parliamentarians to raise awareness of HG and advocate for improved NHS care pathways.
• Research advocacy: Campaigning for increased research funding for pregnancy sickness and HG.

How You Can Help

You do not need to be a healthcare professional or a campaigner to make a difference. Here are ways you can contribute to raising awareness:

• Share your story: Personal testimonies are powerful tools for changing perceptions. You can share your experience through PSS, the HER Foundation, social media, or your local media.
• Educate those around you: Talk to your family, friends, and colleagues about the reality of pregnancy sickness. Challenge minimising comments like “it’s just morning sickness” or “have you tried ginger?”
• Support on social media: Follow and share content from HG awareness organisations. Use relevant hashtags to amplify their messages.
• Donate: Pregnancy Sickness Support, the HER Foundation, and other HG organisations rely on donations to fund their support services and research programmes.
• Write to your MP: If you experienced inadequate care for HG, consider writing to your Member of Parliament to highlight the issue and advocate for improved NHS pathways.
• Participate in research: Join research registries, complete surveys, and volunteer for clinical studies when they are available.

Research Participation Opportunities

Contributing to research is one of the most impactful things you can do to help future women with pregnancy sickness and HG. Even if your pregnancy is over, your experience and data are valuable.

How to Get Involved in Research

• NIHR Be Part of Research (UK): The National Institute for Health and Care Research runs a service called “Be Part of Research” where you can search for active studies that are recruiting participants. You can filter by condition (search for “hyperemesis gravidarum,” “nausea and vomiting in pregnancy,” or “pregnancy sickness”) and by your location. Website: bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk
• HER Foundation Research Registry: Register your experience of HG with the HER Foundation. Your data may be used in genetic studies, epidemiological research, and treatment outcome studies. Registration is free and can be completed online at hyperemesis.org.
• University studies: Researchers at UK and international universities regularly seek participants for HG studies. These are often advertised through PSS, the HER Foundation, and social media groups. Studies may involve questionnaires, interviews, saliva/blood samples, or review of your medical records.
• Clinical trials: If you are currently pregnant and experiencing NVP or HG, you may be eligible for clinical trials testing new treatments or comparing existing treatments. Ask your obstetrician or midwife if any trials are running at your hospital.

Types of Research You Can Contribute To

• Genetic studies: Providing a saliva or blood sample to help identify genetic risk factors for HG. This research has already led to the GDF15 breakthrough.
• Survey-based studies: Completing questionnaires about your symptoms, treatment, and outcomes. These studies build the evidence base for treatment guidelines.
• Qualitative research: Participating in interviews or focus groups about your experience of HG, its impact on your life, and your views on healthcare. This research gives voice to women’s experiences and informs service improvement.
• Outcome studies: Allowing researchers to access your anonymised medical records to study long-term outcomes for women and babies affected by HG.
• Biobank contributions: Some studies collect and store biological samples (blood, saliva, placenta) for future research. These biobanks are invaluable resources for ongoing and future scientific discovery.

How to Find HG-Aware Healthcare Providers

The quality of care you receive for pregnancy sickness can vary enormously depending on your healthcare provider’s knowledge and attitudes. Finding a provider who takes HG seriously and is up to date with current evidence can transform your experience. Here is how to find one:

In the UK

• Ask Pregnancy Sickness Support: Contact the PSS helpline (024 7569 0504) or email for advice on finding sympathetic healthcare providers in your area. PSS receives feedback from women across the UK and may be able to suggest GPs, midwives, or hospitals with a good track record.
• Request a GP with obstetric experience: At your GP surgery, ask to see a GP with a special interest in women’s health or obstetrics. They are more likely to be familiar with current antiemetic prescribing guidance.
• Ask about local HG protocols: Phone your local hospital’s maternity unit and ask whether they have a specific HG care pathway or protocol. Hospitals with dedicated HG pathways tend to provide more proactive, consistent care.
• Check for ambulatory care services: Hospitals that offer day-case IV rehydration services are generally more experienced in managing HG and more likely to provide prompt treatment.
• Peer recommendations: Ask in PSS or other HG support groups if anyone in your area has had positive experiences with specific healthcare providers. Personal recommendations from other HG survivors are often the most reliable guide.

Internationally

• HER Foundation Provider Directory: The HER Foundation maintains a directory of healthcare providers who have been recommended by patients or who have identified themselves as experienced in HG management. Available at hyperemesis.org.
• Ask your national HG organisation: If your country has an HG support organisation (listed in this guide), they may be able to recommend providers.
• University teaching hospitals: Larger academic hospitals tend to have more experience with complex cases and may have obstetricians with a research interest in HG.
• Maternal-fetal medicine specialists: In countries where they are available, maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists or perinatologists are more likely to have experience managing severe HG.

Questions to Ask a New Healthcare Provider

When meeting a new GP, midwife, or obstetrician, the following questions can help you assess whether they are HG-aware:

• “How do you typically manage patients with severe pregnancy sickness?”
• “Are you comfortable prescribing antiemetic medications in pregnancy?”
• “What is your approach if the first medication does not work?”
• “Are you familiar with the RCOG Green-top Guideline on NVP and HG?” (or the equivalent guideline in your country)
• “Do you have experience with combination antiemetic therapy?”
• “Is there an ambulatory IV rehydration service available locally?”

Emergency Phrases in Multiple Languages

If you are travelling abroad or receiving care in a country where you do not speak the local language, these phrases may help you communicate your needs in an emergency. We recommend carrying a printed copy or saving them on your phone.

Language	“I am pregnant and very sick. I need help.”	“I have hyperemesis gravidarum. I need anti-sickness medication and IV fluids.”
English	I am pregnant and very sick. I need help.	I have hyperemesis gravidarum. I need anti-sickness medication and IV fluids.
French	Je suis enceinte et très malade. J’ai besoin d’aide.	J’ai une hyperémèse gravidique. J’ai besoin de médicaments anti-nausée et de perfusions intraveineuses.
Spanish	Estoy embarazada y muy enferma. Necesito ayuda.	Tengo hiperémesis gravídica. Necesito medicación antiemética y suero intravenoso.
German	Ich bin schwanger und sehr krank. Ich brauche Hilfe.	Ich habe Hyperemesis gravidarum. Ich brauche Medikamente gegen Übelkeit und eine Infusion.
Italian	Sono incinta e molto malata. Ho bisogno di aiuto.	Ho l’iperemesi gravidica. Ho bisogno di farmaci antiemetici e fluidoterapia endovenosa.
Portuguese	Estou grávida e muito doente. Preciso de ajuda.	Tenho hiperêmese gravídica. Preciso de medicamentos antieméticos e soro intravenoso.
Dutch	Ik ben zwanger en heel erg ziek. Ik heb hulp nodig.	Ik heb hyperemesis gravidarum. Ik heb anti-misselijkheidsmedicijnen en een infuus nodig.
Greek	Είμαι έγκυος και πολύ άρρωστη. Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια.	Έχω υπερέμεση της κύησης. Χρειάζομαι αντιεμετικά φάρμακα και ενδοφλέβια υγρά.
Turkish	Hamileyim ve çok hastayım. Yardıma ihtiyacım var.	Hiperemezis gravidarum hastasıyım. Bulantı ilacı ve damardan sıvı tedavisine ihtiyacım var.
Polish	Jestem w ciąży i bardzo chora. Potrzebuję pomocy.	Mam niepowściągliwe wymioty ciężarnych. Potrzebuję leków przeciwwymiotnych i kroplówki.

Frequently Asked Questions