Unfortunately, HG is a widely misunderstood condition. It leaves many sufferers undiagnosed or feeling like their symptoms aren’t being taken seriously. Many find it difficult to communicate the severity of their condition to the people around them. Remember, you have done nothing to deserve this illness and you have the right to be treated with the utmost care and compassion.

You might find it helpful to have a short spiel prepared for when people ask questions about your pregnancy or condition. Try including that HG is far more severe than regular morning sickness and that it is incredibly rare.

Talking to family and close friends about HG can also be incredibly difficult. Your partner and family may feel like there is nothing that they can do to help you. Let loved ones know that their continued love and support is appreciated and will help you through this difficult time. If a caregiver asks how you are feeling try to be as honest as you can and never be afraid to ask for help.

It is particularly important that you feel empowered to speak to health care professionals about your symptoms. A lot of sufferers find themselves being dismissed, ignored or doubted by the doctors charged with their care. If you do not feel like you are receiving adequate treatment, or that your practitioner has the required experience to manage HG, you are within your rights to ask for more support.

Direct people to this website, print out any information you feel will be useful and take along a diary, if you’ve kept one, to illustrate the severity of your condition. If you feel like you’re not being taken seriously you can ask to speak to a patient liaison, Nurse Unit Manager, or member of the management team to escalate the situation. If you aren’t well enough to advocate on your own behalf or feel you’re not getting anywhere, please get in touch with us so that we can support you.

Be prepared

Advocating for yourself with your GP, obstetrician, midwife or in the Emergency Department can be daunting - especially if you’re unwell. Hopefully, these tips help you feel more empowered and prepared:

• Take some information about NVP or HG to your consultations. Hyperemesis Australia has created this handy printable for you as a starting point

• Go to the consultation with someone who has seen first-hand what you are going through and ask them to share what they’ve witnessed

• Write down as much information as possible about your food and fluid intake, urine output, weight loss, how many times you’ve vomited or felt nauseous in the previous 24 hours. This printable is a good way to track things

• Take the SOMANZ treatment guidelines and ask to receive the recommended treatment

• Remember that you are entitled to receive treatment, care and support - be as assertive as you can be, and if you’re too unwell take someone with you who will fight for your care

• Ask your health care professional to visit this website or contact us

• Ultimately, if you don’t feel you are receiving the care and treatment you need it’s okay to change practitioners. We can help you find a new GP or obstetrician if you get in touch