WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of National Women’s Health and Fitness Day, Representatives Xavier Becerra (CA-31) and Dave Weldon (FL-15) and the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation held a congressional briefing Wednesday, September 28, on Capitol Hill, to address the overlooked pregnancy disease, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).
Symptoms of HG include rapid weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, severe nausea and vomiting. Women are literally unable to eat or drink; and in far too many cases, the disease has resulted in death to the mother. The disease increases the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery and low birth weight. Many health professionals mistakenly treat the disease as a psychological disorder or common morning sickness that delays medical care and adequate treatment. HG patients are often accused of fabricating the disease in their mind, causing an aggravation of symptoms and depression from the lack of validation received by medical practitioners.
The briefing highlighted the urgent need for improved research and statistical data to better understand and treat HG. As the leading cause for hospitalization in early pregnancy, it is estimated that HG costs $500 million annually to treat those inflicted with the disease.
"We need to do more to find a cure for this disease that has such devastating effects on a growing number of soon-to-be mothers," Congressman Becerra said. "Wednesday’s briefing left me concerned that little is known about the long-term consequences for babies born to HG mothers. Research on HG’s short- and long-term effects is desperately needed and needed now."
To learn more about Hyperemesis Gravidarum, please visit the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation Web site at www.hyperemesis.org.
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