Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a debilitating pregnancy complication that can initially appear as typical early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness. At least 60,000 cases of HG are estimated in the U.S. each year.
Kenneth Higby, MD, treats women who suffer with HG as a specialist in maternal and fetal care and obstetrics-gynecology in New Braunfels. The consultant to the Texas Medical Association Committee on Reproductive, Women’s and Perinatal Health says there is not enough awareness about th...
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a debilitating pregnancy complication that can initially appear as typical early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness. At least 60,000 cases of HG are estimated in the U.S. each year.
Kenneth Higby, MD, treats women who suffer with HG as a specialist in maternal and fetal care and obstetrics-gynecology in New Braunfels. The consultant to the Texas Medical Association Committee on Reproductive, Women’s and Perinatal Health says there is not enough awareness about the condition, even among some physicians.
“A lot of obstetricians don't see pregnant women until much further along in pregnancy, where this occurs very early in pregnancy. So, the patient is at risk of seeing a family physician or an ER physician who knows very little about this disorder in pregnancy,” said Dr. Higby.
Ms. Kathryn Clarke, an advisory council member of the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation, said she struggled with HG during her pregnancy.
“I was so incredibly nauseous, I couldn't leave my bed,” said Ms. Clarke. “By week 10, I was down 18 pounds from where I started of being pregnant.”
That’s typical of the disease, which causes severe nausea and vomiting, often well before a prenatal intake appointment with a physician.
In a new TMA Health Beat podcast episode, Dr. Higby and Ms. Clarke explain what the condition is, the risks associated with it, and how they are raising awareness about HG among patients and physicians.
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