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Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Causes and Impacts on Pregnancy and Beyond
Today, Dr. Kat hosts Dr. Marlena Fejzo, an expert on hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe form of pregnancy sickness. Dr. Fejzo, affiliated with the University of Southern California and the HER Foundation, discusses HG’s debilitating symptoms, its long-term health impacts, and the challenges within the healthcare system. She emphasizes the need for better awareness, research, and treatment protocols, including the importance of thiamine supplements and support groups. Dr. Fejzo also highlights her ongoing research on genetic factors and potential treatments, advocating for improved care and support for HG patients.
Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Causes and Impacts on Pregnancy and BeyondShow Highlights
- Definition and severity of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
- Long-term health impacts on mothers and fetuses
- Advocacy and the importance of having support during medical appointments
- Current state of research and funding challenges for HG studies
- Prevalence and statistics related to HG
- Psychological effects, including potential PTSD in affected women
- Historical context and misunderstandings surrounding HG
- Future research directions, including genetic studies
- Clinical trials for new treatments and potential biomarkers
About Dr. Marlena Fejzo
Dr. Marlena Fejzo is a women’s health scientist and expert on severe pregnancy sickness. She is a researcher at the University of Southern California, Research Director of the HER Foundation, and Chief Scientific Officer of Harmonia Healthcare. Fejzo found the first genes for uterine fibroids and for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. In March, Fejzo was honored as one of Time’s Women of the Year, in May she was named one of Time’s 100 Health Catalysts, and in July she was awarded the 2024 Victoria J. Mastrobuono Award in Women’s Health by the National Organization for Women.
Resources:
Connect with Dr. Fejzo
Twitter – @DrFejzo
International HG Conference on November 6th and 7th, 2024 in Ventura, CA international colloquium Hyperemesis gravidarum https://www.hyperemesis.org/ichg2024/
To Donate to Dr. Fejzo’s research efforts: bit.ly/fejzo
Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to better support people for whom they provide services.
Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!
Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.
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