Today is May 15, 2019, International Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) Awareness Day. That’s why. Gone are the days of suffering in silence. #hyperemesisgravidarum on social media brings up tens of thousands of photos of women looking and feeling like death is upon them. I applaud and admire these young women for putting a face to HG. Now is the time for us to take the next step to find causes and cures. I know it’s a long road ahead, but I am a pharmacist with knowledge to share and research to do. I am determined to do my part to ease the suffering of those currently experiencing HG, to prevent hospital admissions and readmissions and to support caregivers.
I had thought I was part of an unlucky, extremely rare group of women during my three experiences with hyperemesis gravidarum. I would never have allowed a photo of myself in that condition and did not have the strength to journal my daily struggles. Fortunately, I had survived and moved onto the next phases of my life, and my girls have since grown into thriving young adults. However, now 21 years later after I first became pregnant, the only progress we have made is that of awareness, thanks to the Hyperemesis Research and Education Foundation (HER) www.helpher.org and a few famous people publicizing their stories either by choice or by the paparazzi.
Today, “they” say 1-2% of pregnant women experience HG, but I don’t believe this statistic. Everyone I know either has a story about experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting in pregnancy themselves or had a close friend or family member who did. According to TheWorldCounts.com, 130 million babies are born each year, so if that statistic is correct, plug those numbers in and that’s a lot of women experiencing what feels like dying in the quest to bring life.
Today, “they” say 1-2% of pregnant women experience HG, but I don’t believe this statistic. Everyone I know either has a story about experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting in pregnancy themselves or had a close friend or family member who did. According to TheWorldCounts.com, 130 million babies are born each year, so if that statistic is correct, plug those numbers in and that’s a lot of women experiencing what feels like dying in the quest to bring life.
If you’re reading this, you either are suffering from HG or are close to someone who is.
For those who are suffering, know…
This is your journey. Each body and degree of HG is unique. Add to that, different medical advice, levels of support, insurance (or lack of) and accessibility to medical care. You must be your own advocate. Others can advise and support, but ultimately, you make the decisions during your nine months. You forge your path to delivery. Stay positive, for although the journey is difficult, the results will truly leave a legacy.
For those caring for loved ones…
Thank you!
Dr. Danielle Raiman Plummer
Your HG Pharmacist
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