Latest news with #hyperemesisgravidarum
Sky News
5 days ago
- Health
- Sky News
Starmer to address postcode lottery for only drug available for debilitating pregnancy sickness condition
Sir Keir Starmer has promised to address a postcode lottery for the only drug approved for a debilitating pregnancy sickness condition. The prime minister was asked in the Commons on Wednesday by Liberal Democrat MP James MacCleary if he would work with the Department of Health to end the "scandal". Xonvea is the only drug approved in the UK to treat the extreme vomiting and nausea caused by hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), which affects thousands of woman, about 3% of pregnancies, each year. Some women have it for several weeks, some their entire pregnancy, and it can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and serious physical and emotional distress, with some so ill they are terminating wanted pregnancies. Sir Keir said he would make sure Mr MacCleary has a meeting with a minister "to see what more can be done to get this treatment to patients who need it". The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital with HG during all three of her pregnancies. An inquest last year found a failure to provide adequate care to HG sufferer Jessica Cronshaw, who was 28 weeks pregnant when she took her own life, "contributed to her mental health deterioration". The charity Pregnancy Sickness Support has found it is a postcode lottery to get Xonvea on the NHS, despite 84% of 800 sufferers surveyed by the charity reporting it to be effective. Different NHS trusts and GPs have different rules on prescribing the drug, which costs the NHS about £28 for a 10-day supply - but £90 if bought privately. Woman terminated pregnancy after Xonvea denied Sarah Spooner, 32, terminated a pregnancy at 13 weeks in April after being denied Xonvea, which was first licensed for use in the UK in 2018, by her GP. The 32-year-old optometrist, who had HG for 40 weeks with her first child, had to take a 50-mile round trip to a hospital to get a two-week supply. After the second hospital trip, the prescription did not have a date so the pharmacy would not give her the drugs and she was feeling so much more ill than her first pregnancy she did not feel she could go on. She twice booked a termination but could not go through with it before eventually deciding it was the only option. A month later, her pharmacy told her it had an old prescription from her GP for Xonvea - the same GP who had said she could not have it. "It just felt like my whole body was saying 'this isn't happening'," she told Sky News. "When I went for the second attempt at a termination I was so upset they said they couldn't do it, and I said 'I don't really want it, to be honest'. "I remember the woman saying to me 'worst case scenario you've only got another seven months of this' and I was thinking another seven months of this is going to kill me." Mrs Spooner ran out of Xonvea the day before her third termination booking in Cardiff and was vomiting "non-stop" from 1am. "Going in to pick up antidepressants - because of everything - from the pharmacy a month later and being handed the bag of Xonvea was just the most horrific moment of my whole life," she added. She said the GP surgery investigated the incident, apologised, and has been very helpful since then, with her doctor pushing to get the health board to allow them to prescribe Xonvea at an early stage. Mrs Spooner's GP said they could not comment due to patient confidentiality. A spokesperson for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said: "We're very sorry to hear of Mrs Spooner's experience. We do not underestimate how distressing this must have been for her and her family. "After the family contacted us via our Putting Things Right process, we have been liaising with them and are in the process of conducting an investigation into their concerns. "Our thoughts and sincere condolences remain with Mrs Spooner and her family at this very difficult time." The Welsh government told Sky News: "We rely on the expert advice of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the guidance of the All-Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG). "The AWMSG published advice in 2019 which confirms that Xonvea is not recommended for use within NHS Wales, and NICE has published guidance on the management of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and concluded that the evidence supporting the use of Xonvea is very old, of low quality and does not show a convincing effect on symptom improvement." 1:23 'End this postcode lottery' Charlotte Howden, who leads Pregnancy Sickness Support, told Sky News: "We welcome the mention of Xonvea and the postcode lottery at PMQs - it's a vital step forward for the thousands of pregnant women and people suffering from nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. "We've long called for urgent action on this issue. It remains an ongoing battle." She added: "Xonvea is the only medication licensed in the UK for pregnancy sickness, yet access still depends entirely on where you live. Many local formularies continue to reject it based on cost, even though a week's supply is cheaper than a single GP appointment and vastly less than a hospital admission, which is all too common for those who become severely dehydrated. "This isn't just poor care, it's a false economy. If the government is serious about prevention, long-term thinking, and equity, it must act to end this postcode lottery. "A meeting with the responsible minister must now follow - and we are ready to share our evidence and experience to help drive meaningful change." 'Women deserve better' Mr MacCleary told Sky News: "My own partner suffered with HG, so I know just how brutal and traumatic this condition can be. I first saw its devastating impact through her experience. "Sadly, some women have even felt forced into terminations or have taken their own lives because they couldn't get the treatment they needed - and this is entirely preventable. "That's why I asked the prime minister to urgently tackle this postcode lottery and meet with me and campaigners who've have been tirelessly working on this for years. Women deserve better - something must change." Sarah Smith, MP for Accrington where Ms Cronshaw lived, said her death "brings into sharp focus the devastating impact HG can have". She added: "Her story is heartbreaking and it underlines the urgent need to ensure fair access to treatments like Xonvea, wherever women live. I welcome the prime minister's commitment to working with ministers on this issue and will support efforts to end the postcode lottery for women facing this condition." Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@ in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Love Island Australia star reveals she's been left 'fighting for her life' during horror pregnancy - just months after announcing engagement
Phoebe Thompson has shared that she is pregnant - but it hasn't been a joyful experience. The Love Island Australia star revealed she is expecting in an Instagram post on Monday, but explained that she has been struggling with hyperemesis gravidarum and prenatal depression. 'I was fighting for my life in the first trimester,' the 34-year-old wrote in her caption. 'A year ago I was manifesting my dream life and God delivered. I was blessed with a healthy baby but also a pregnancy that would test every part of me.' Phoebe explained that she did not want to 'sugarcoat' her experience. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in th loop. 'For many women, pregnancy isn't all glow and rainbows,' she wrote. 'It can feel like 10 months of Survivor: Vomiting, gagging, nutrient-depleted, mentally broken over the toilet bowl at 3am.' The reality star added: 'The past few months have humbled me in ways I didn't know possible. I've felt excited, scared, grateful, lost and helpless all at once. 'It wasn't morning sickness - it was all day and night.' The television personality went on to describe her crippling prenatal depression - a condition she did not understand before she experienced it. 'I didn't recognise myself. I thought I'd be one of those active, glowing, strong mamas-to-be. Instead, I was bedridden and broken,' she wrote. 'Why couldn't I embrace the miracle? I carried guilt for not loving pregnancy. I questioned my worth, my strength, my ability to be a mum.' Phoebe revealed she is now in her third trimester and doing better, however has continued to face physical challenges. The television personality went on to describe her crippling prenatal depression - a condition she did not understand before she experienced it 'Watching my body change, expand, not fitting any clothes, it's been a mental trip on a bumpy road,' she said. 'Pregnancy, birth and motherhood is a spiritual initiation. It will crack you open. And no one will fully understand that transformation unless they've lived it.' Up to three per cent of women suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a debilitating form of sickness during pregnancy. It can cause sickness dozens of times a day with some women ending up hospitalised with severe dehydration. Perinatal depression includes that which occurs during pregnancy, classified as prenatal or antepartum depression, as well as depression that persists after birth, postnatal depression. Symptoms of perinatal depression include sadness, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies, feelings of worthlessness, appetite changes, physical pain that does not subside with treatment and extreme fatigue that makes it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. In January, Phoebe announced her engagement to her secret boyfriend. She shared the exciting news on Instagram alongside a rare photo with her beau as they posed in a bizarre naked photoshoot. The intimate image saw the loved-up couple lying in bed together nude while wrapped in a white sheet. Phoebe also shared another image while holding her hand towards the camera to reveal her huge diamond ring. She simply captioned the post with a ring emoji. Many of Phoebe's followers flocked to the comments to congratulate the couple on their engagement. 'So happy for you,' one person wrote, while another added: 'Congratulations!!! So stunning!!' 'Congratulations to the luckiest man in the world - the guy who gave you that ring,' a third said. Phoebe is perhaps best known for coupling up with another woman on season two of Love Island Australia in 2019. It was the first same-sex couple in the franchise's history. Phoebe has since embarked on a career as an adult model, launching her own subscription-based adult website. Her site contains nude photos and videos, which are available to paying subscribers. In March 2022, Phoebe came under fire for asking people to subscribe to her website so she could donate money to Queenslanders affected by the floods.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The holistic therapy that saved Kate in her toughest times: How the Princess of Wales turned to acupuncture to aid in her cancer recovery - after previously using the treatment for morning sickness
The Princess of Wales has revealed she leaned on an ancient holistic method to help recover from cancer. Kate, 43, who is continuing a slow and measured return to public life while in remission from cancer, told patients at a cancer wellbeing centre at Colchester Hospital that she had tried acupuncture - a traditional Chinese medicine in which practitioners insert thin needles into specific parts of the body to promote healing and relieve pain. The mother-of-three is believed to have also used the method to help cope with her severe morning sickness in 2012, while she was pregnant with Prince George. Kate went on to suffer again from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) while pregnant with Princess Charlotte in 2014 and Prince Louis in 2018. The condition saw the Princess announce her later two pregnancies early, before reaching the crucial 12-week stage. HG can lead to severe dehydration and puts both mother and baby at risk of being deprived of essential nutrients, as they are unable to keep food and drink down. Sufferers can be left vomiting up to 30 times a day, with exhausting and hazardous consequences. Studies have shown acupuncture can help with sickness and significantly relieve lower back or pelvic pain experienced by 90 per cent of women during pregnancy. Researchers consider it a safe treatment because it doesn't involve the need for drugs. It is unclear exactly how it might ease pain but is thought to involve the release of the body's innate 'happy' chemicals, endorphins. Acupuncture is also thought to increase blood flow to skin and muscle. Speaking yesterday, Kate spoke of the 'very scary, very daunting experience' of cancer did not end with the conclusion of treatment, with patients needing to take time to find their 'new normal'. She also revealed that she had tried acupuncture - a traditional Chinese medicine in which practitioners insert thin needles into specific parts of the body to promote healing and relieve pain - as part of her own recovery process. The princess, speaking to therapist Amanda Green during a walkabout in heavy rain afterwards, disclosed that she had not yet tried reflexology but had undergone acupuncture as part of her own health journey. The visit offered the princess's most personal and extensive insight into her own experience to date, seeing her reference her own ill health several times while offering empathy to other patients and families. 'It's life-changing for anyone,' she said. 'Through first diagnosis or post treatment and things like that, it is a life-changing experience both for the patient but also for the families as well. 'And actually it sometimes goes unrecognised, you don't necessarily, particularly when it's the first time [of diagnosis], appreciate how much impact it is going to have. 'You have to find your new normal and that takes time… and it's a rollercoaster, it's not one smooth plane, which you expect it to be. But the reality is it's not, you go through hard times. 'And to have a place like this to have the support network, through creativity and singing or gardening whatever it might be is so valuable and it's great this community has it. 'It would be great if lots of communities had this kind of support.' Hearing from a group of patients who credited the centre with supporting them, the Princess added: 'What seems to be really fantastic is that there is a real personal approach: what helps one person - acupuncture or something - might not help another. Others might want different support and to talk to someone.' 'Having gone through it myself', she added, she could now better understand the challenges of finding support. 'Some people don't have access and don't necessarily know how this system can help them,' she said. 'Joining the dots for patients and there might be fantastic community work going on, if it's bitty and there isn't one place and one body bringing these support networks together, it's hard to reach out, particularly when you're vulnerable. 'I can see it has such a transformative effect.' Hearing about the centre's choir, the Princess added: 'Having these creative avenues is really fantastic.' Meghan Markle also reportedly tried acupuncture to 'boost the flow of blood to her uterus' while pregnant with Archie. The Duchess of Sussex was said to be having sessions with London -based acupuncturist-to-the-stars Ross Bar. Barr boasts a glittering client list and is understood to have treated the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the lead up to their wedding in May last year. 'Meghan has been having regular acupuncture sessions to help her unwind and relax,' a source close to Barr told Vanity Fair. 'It's brilliant for the blood circulation and boosting blood flow to the uterus. She plans to use acupuncture right up to her due date.' The Princess of Wales has also reflected on the healing power of nature as part of her recovery. 'The natural world's capacity to inspire us, to nurture us and help us heal and grow is boundless and has been understood for generations. 'It is through nature, that we can fully understand the true interconnectedness of all things, the importance of balance and the importance of renewal and resilience. Connecting to nature helps us to experience a deeper sense of ourselves, the world around us, and each other.' She adds: 'Spring is a season of rebirth, of hope and new beginnings. From the dark days of winter, the outside world quietly awakens with new life, and there comes a sense of optimism, anticipation, and positive, hopeful change. 'Just as nature revives and renews so too can we. Let us reconnect to nature and celebrate a new dawn within our hearts. 'It is often from the smallest of seeds that the greatest change can happen, and in this ever-growing complex world, we need to hold on to what connects us all. 'Spring is here, so let's make the most of it together,' she said in a video released by the palace. The princess also makes clear how much she hopes that her message will provide an antidote to the 'increasingly complex and digital world'. Signing off the post with 'C' - a sign that it personally comes from her - Catherine writes: 'This year's Mental Health Awareness Week, we are celebrating humanity's longstanding connection to nature, and its capacity to inspire us and help us to heal and grow in mind, body and spirit. 'As we confront the challenges of an increasingly complex and digital world, the importance of the connection between humanity and nature takes on even more significance. 'The Mother Nature series is a reminder and reflection of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. It is a tribute to the lessons we can learn from nature, helping us to foster our own growth, strengthen our bonds with the world around us and each other.' 'Mother Nature' is described as a 'celebration of the raw, untamed beauty of the changing seasons across the UK'.
Medscape
03-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Can Metformin Prevent Severe Morning Sickness?
TOPLINE: Daily metformin use in the month before pregnancy is associated with more than 70% reduction in risk for hyperemesis gravidarum in first pregnancies. The protective effect persists in second pregnancies with 82% lower risk, even after accounting for the high recurrence risk, while cannabis use and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase risk. METHODOLOGY: Researchers analyzed data from 5414 participants who reported on daily medication and substance use in the month prior to pregnancy and level of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Participants were recruited through the Hyperemesis Gravidarum Education and Research Foundation social media sites from January 2023 to September 2024. Analysis included logistic regression to estimate crude and multivariate associations between use of 32 common substances and severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy/hyperemesis gravidarum. Final multivariate models incorporated tobacco use and maternal age, while number and type of additional drugs used and race/ethnicity showed minimal influence. TAKEAWAY: Prepregnancy metformin use was associated with more than 70% reduction in risk for hyperemesis gravidarum (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 0.29; 95% CI, 0.12-0.71; P = .007). Tobacco use showed significant reduction in risk (aRR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.30-0.86; P = .011), while selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were linked to increased risk (aRR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.33-4.38; P = .004). Metformin use before a second pregnancy was associated with 82% lower risk for severe nausea and vomiting/hyperemesis gravidarum (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06-0.59; P = .005), even after adjusting for an 86% recurrence risk. Cannabis use (aOR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.80-6.75; P < .001) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (aOR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.12-3.04; P = .016) before a second pregnancy were associated with increased risk. IN PRACTICE: 'Metformin, which is routinely used pre- and post-conception, may be a safe and affordable treatment to offer patients with a prior history of hyperemesis gravidarum to decrease the chance of recurrence. Clinical trials are warranted to investigate metformin use prior to pregnancy to lower hyperemesis gravidarum risk, thereby mitigating the associated adverse maternal and offspring outcomes,' wrote the authors of the study. SOURCE: The study was led by Neelu Sharma, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California in Los Angeles. It was published online in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. LIMITATIONS: The hyperemesis gravidarum-enriched approach to participant recruitment may have introduced selection bias, as individuals with multiple occurrences may have been more likely to participate. However, the authors noted that similar recurrence rates were reported in previous prospective studies. Additionally, the indication, timing, and dosage for each medication or substance was unknown. While conditions commonly treated with metformin like diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome have been associated with increased risk for hyperemesis gravidarum, any confounding by indication would bias results upward rather than explain the observed inverse associations. DISCLOSURES: Marlena S. Fejzo disclosed being a consultant for NGM Biosciences, receiving stock and fee for service. The remaining coauthors reported having no conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to cope with pregnancy sickness at work
When you're feeling sick, chances are you will take a few days off with the expectation that you'll be back to normal in a few days. But what do you do if the sickness lasts for months? That's the reality for many women with pregnancy sickness and nausea. As many as seven in 10 pregnancies are affected by nausea and vomiting, which can range from uncomfortable to debilitating. For some people, the sickness eases over time. For others, it can continue throughout the whole nine months. Between one and three women in 100 pregnancies experience severe sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum — which can lead to severe illness and hospitalisation. Understandably, sickness can have a significant impact on your ability to work. The churning nausea and frequent trips to the toilet can make it impossible to focus or get anything done. Although it's often referred to as "morning sickness", it can strike day or night, leaving you exhausted. Yet despite this, many women feel unable to take time off because they don't want to be seen as incompetent; a term dubbed "pregnancy presenteeism". 'Pregnancy-related sickness and nausea are often underestimated, yet they can have a significant impact on your ability to work and on your overall wellbeing,' says psychotherapist and Counselling Directory member Jenny Warwick. 'When you are feeling constantly unwell, your mental health can be significantly impacted, leading to increased stress, anxiety and low mood,' she says. Read more: How the maternity system is failing self-employed women 'You might feel guilty or frustrated about your perceived reduction in productivity, and worrying about meeting work expectations can further harm your self-esteem and contribute to emotional strain. Additionally, the relentless nature of the symptoms can feel isolating, particularly if others are unaware or downplaying their impact.' Speaking to your boss is essential if you're struggling in pregnancy, but it isn't always easy. Many women feel pressured to avoid being stereotyped as "pregnant and weak", so they struggle in silence. And the cultural expectation to keep a pregnancy secret for the first three months — when sickness often peaks — can be incredibly isolating. So what can you do to make the conversation easier? 'Many people feel unsure about speaking to their manager before the end of the first trimester, but support during this time can make a real difference,' says Warwick. 'Plan to have the conversation when you feel ready and if possible when your manager is likely to be available to listen.' You don't need to go into personal medical details, but be clear and honest about your symptoms and how they're affecting your work. Focus on the support you need to do your job well. It can help to frame it as a collaborative conversation to navigate the best way to manage your work, while dealing with the sickness. It can be hard to remember what you want to say when you're nervous or feeling unwell, so Warwick recommends noting down the key points you want to make. 'Jot them down and practice what you want to say with a trusted friend or partner. It's perfectly acceptable to request confidentiality if you're not ready to share your news with the world.' Simple, supportive adjustments can make a huge difference at work. Flexibility is key, whether it's regarding working hours, meetings, travel or location. If being in a hot, stuffy meeting room is making you feel worse, ask if you can dial in from home or get the main points afterwards. Likewise, being in a busy office with noise and food smells can exacerbate nausea, so it may help to work from home. On a bad day, access to a quiet space like an empty meeting room can help. Sometimes, being asked if you're OK by well-intentioned colleagues can make a bad situation worse — when all you want is privacy. Frequent breaks are also essential, whether it's to get some fresh air or grab a snack to settle your stomach. 'In some cases, a short-term or phased return to work after pregnancy-related sick leave can offer essential support during the adjustment period,' adds Warwick. It's also essential to remember your legal rights. If you're employed and experiencing pregnancy sickness, you're legally protected under the Equality Act 2010. Read more: How to apply for jobs when you're pregnant 'Any absence that relates to pregnancy must be treated differently from standard sickness absence — and it cannot be used against you in performance reviews, disciplinary processes, or redundancy decisions,' says Hannah Strawbridge, the CEO and founder of employment and HR specialists Han Law. 'We regularly advise women whose employers have misunderstood or ignored this.' Strawbridge recalls that one of her clients, a secondary school teacher in her first trimester, was suffering with severe sickness and needed time off. When the school began formal absence proceedings within a few weeks, her legal team intervened and reminded them of their legal obligations. 'Pregnancy-related sickness must not be penalised and treating it as routine absence is unlawful,' explains Strawbridge. Employers are also under a duty to consider reasonable adjustments if your symptoms are affecting your ability to work. That might include changes to hours, working from home, or temporarily amending duties. Failing to consider these adjustments can amount to discrimination. However, the picture is very different for self-employed workers. The legal protections for employees are clear and enforceable but for self-employed women, this remains a significant gap in the system, with little practical support available during early pregnancy. Read more: 'Dad strike' as UK's paternity leave worst in Europe 'You don't have the same statutory protections — no sick pay, no entitlement to time off, and no legal duty on anyone to support you during periods of illness,' says Strawbridge. 'We work with many self-employed women at Han Law, including consultants, creatives, and sole traders, and this is a common issue. One of our clients, a freelance designer, was dealing with constant nausea but continued working full-time, as taking time off simply wasn't financially viable. Maternity Allowance may be available further into pregnancy, but it offers no support during those early, difficult weeks.' Often, pregnancy sickness is trivialised as just a natural part of pregnancy that has to be dealt with. But dismissing it in this way can leave those experiencing it feeling unsupported and overwhelmed, especially in the workplace. Employers and colleagues play a crucial role in creating an environment where pregnant employees feel comfortable seeking accommodations, whether that's flexible scheduling, access to rest areas or understanding when productivity fluctuates. By acknowledging the real impact of pregnancy sickness and responding with empathy and practical support, it fosters healthier, more inclusive workplaces for everyone. Read more: Why neurodivergent workers pay the price for poor communication Why the pressure to be liked at work is holding women back Five soft skills that can help you get hired or promoted at workError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
