Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness

19 July 2023 · 1 other contributor · 4,138 words

Opened by Sara Britcliffe Con Hyndburn

Responding minister: Maria Caulfield

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sara Britcliffe raised concerns about hyperemesis gravidarum awareness in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP raises concerns about hyperemesis gravidarum, highlighting the case of Jessica Cronshaw who died due to HG complications.
  • MP calls for compulsory training on HG for midwives and improved access to licensed drugs like Xonvea and Ondansetron.
  • MP requests more evidence-based research into HG treatments and better support for perinatal mental health and nutrition.

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.

Opened the debate

Sara Britcliffe Con Hyndburn

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.

Other contributors (1)
  • 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

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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