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Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness
19 July 2023
Lead MP
Sara Britcliffe
Responding Minister
Maria Caulfield
Tags
NHSEmploymentMental Health
Word Count: 4138
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Sara Britcliffe raised concerns about hyperemesis gravidarum awareness in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks the government to ensure compulsory training on HG for midwives, improve access to licensed drugs like Xonvea and Ondansetron, encourage more evidence-based research into treatments including GDF15-based drugs, and address societal stigma around women suffering from HG. She also calls for better support in terms of perinatal mental health services and nutritional advice.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The MP is concerned about hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition that can be life-threatening and debilitating for pregnant women. She highlights the case of Jessica Cronshaw, who passed away at 28 weeks due to HG complications. The MP emphasizes the lack of awareness, stigma, inadequate training for healthcare professionals, insufficient mental health support, nutritional advice, and face-to-face medical appointments as contributing factors to the severity of this condition.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
I thank the hon. Member for bringing this issue to the attention of the House.
Government Response
Maria Caulfield
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Ms Nokes. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Hyndburn (Sara Britcliffe) for her moving speech and express condolences to Jess's family, particularly Eddie, her partner, and remember baby Elsie. Hyperemesis gravidarum affects between one and three in every 100 pregnancies, impacting thousands of women each year. It is a severe form of nausea and vomiting that can affect an individual's mood, work ability, and mental health. The National Institute for Health and Care Research is awarding funds for research on the causes, management, and nutritional impact of HG. Professor Dame Lesley Regan will host a webinar on 27 September to explore patient experiences and provide treatment options. The women's health strategy aims to end stigma and ensure that when women ask for help, they receive positive support. We are expanding mental health services with new hubs providing psychological therapy and maternity care in England from March 2024. I am happy to work with my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Sussex on raising awareness of HG among employers. Following Jess's tragic case, we will organise a roundtable with the women's health ambassador to discuss findings and see how we can take this forward through research at the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.