Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Raising Awareness & Supporting Parents in the Netherlands with Stichting ZEHG

A vital conversation about HG, pregnancy illness, and the need for better awareness, advocacy, and compassionate care for affected families.

Trigger Warning: Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) – More Than Morning Sickness

In this powerful episode, we shine a spotlight on Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)—a severe, often misunderstood pregnancy complication that affects up to 3.6% of pregnant individuals in the Netherlands. Unlike common morning sickness, HG brings relentless nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, dehydration, and extreme weight loss—sometimes requiring hospitalization for months.

Our guest, Jessica Sinay from ⁠Stichting ZEHG⁠, shares her personal and emotional journey battling HG multiple times. She offers insight into the mental, emotional, and physical toll of the condition, and the lack of medical recognition HG still faces today. We also discuss the critical need for national treatment guidelines currently being developed in the Netherlands.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum, and how is it diagnosed?

• Common treatments in the Netherlands (Amesafene, Primperan, Ondansetron)

• The long-term impact of HG: PTSD, postpartum depression, digestive issues, dental problems

• • Support networks for women, partners, and families via Stichting ZEHG
  • Access to HG coaches trained to support women mentally and practically during/after HG (see: ⁠www.hgcoach.nl⁠)

• The work of ⁠⁠ Professor Rebecca Painter⁠⁠⁠, a leading expert on HG and malnutrition at Erasmus MC

• Global efforts via ICHG charity network⁠⁠:: International collaboration with clinicians and patient groups from the UK, US, Australia, and more

  
  

Resources & Support:

• HG Coaches & Mental Health Support

• • Private Dutch HG Facebook communities for women, partners, and families

  A private Facebook community ⁠ (>4,400 members)

  ⁠Dutch HG group for partners of women with HG ⁠

  ⁠ Dutch HG group for family, friends etc⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

• A network of trained dietitian's in cooperation with ⁠Novita in Utrecht⁠

• • Partner stories and recovery support articles on the ⁠official website⁠
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⁠You can make a donation to Stichting ZEHG here and support better care for women with HG.

Listen now and help raise awareness about this life-altering pregnancy condition.

#HyperemesisGravidarum #PregnancySupport #StichtingZEHG #HGAwareness #MaternalHealth #PregnancyPodcast #DutchHealthcare