Support for women living with hyperemesis gravidarum

Pregnant women struggling to cope with the severe effects of hyperemesis gravidarum will be provided with more support and care through the expansion of the MotherSafe telephone service, which is based at the Royal Hospital for Women.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a condition that causes severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy for around 1 in 100 women during their pregnancy.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the expanded MotherSafe service will have extended hours of operation on weekdays from 9am to 9pm, giving women more access to counsellors and pharmacists, as well as more specific support and advice.

The expanded service also increases accessibility for women living outside of metropolitan Sydney or who may be too unwell to travel, to have a consultation with a MotherSafe doctor.

“Women suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy are often so sick they can’t go to work, care for themselves or someone else, but we want people to know that advice and management options are available,” Minister Park said.

“This condition can cause significant emotional, psychological, physical and financial distress for women and their families, and is the main cause for hospitalisation in the first half of pregnancy.”

“That is why we are acting to help pregnant women and their families. Expanding the successful MotherSafe service means more women will be able to receive tailored advice in relation to this condition.”

Under the expanded service, women with significant symptoms will be contacted over the phone by the MotherSafe team within 48 hours of their last call to see how they are feeling and to re-assess what support they may need based on severity of symptoms.