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Katie Gresham's avatar

What a lovely and important photography project. I would have thought that after Cathrine Middleton’s well publicized experience the NHS would be better at treating it. I never heard of it until her experience hit the news, I have no idea if patients are treated any better in the US. My guess is probably not.

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Joanna Wolfarth's avatar

I'm not sure about the US - anecdotally I know of women there who've found it easier and quicker to get medication because they can go straight to their OBGYN. And, of course, pay for the medication out of pocket or via insurance. Here, I saw different GPs, out of hours care, and midwives and no-one could prescribe the 'good stuff' quickly.

I remember hearing about Catherine Middleton's sickness, but at the time (pre-kids) I think I probably thought it wasn't 'that bad'... Now I know better!

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Elaine Gregersen's avatar

Thank you for talking about this. The photography is very meaningful. I had HG throughout my 24 weeks of pregnancy (I was even sick during the birth). Given my pregnancy came to a premature end, it saddens me that I have more photos of bowls of vomit then I do of the progress of my bump. It was a miserable existence, but I felt conditioned to 'get on with it' in a 'millions of women deal with pregnancy so you should be able to' sort of way (I'd have a word with myself now!)

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Joanna Wolfarth's avatar

Oh, I'm so sorry you suffered through it too and don't have as many lovely pregnancy memories to treasure as a result xxx I think your inner voice was exactly the same as mine and every other person I've met who had HG - that somehow we are the 'failures', for 'not coping' or 'making a fuss'. I assumed it was normal morning sickness and couldn't understand why I was so debilitated. Doesn't help when doctors imply the same! But I met so many amazing researchers at the exhibition last week and hopefully things will improve in terms of awareness and treatment very soon, and we can all be kinder to ourselves. xxx

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Elaine Gregersen's avatar

Thank you x

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