Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe and debilitating illness brought on by pregnancy. It can be life-threatening; marked by rapid weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration due to unrelenting nausea and/or vomiting with potential adverse consequences for the newborn(s).  For most women the only cure is having the baby. 

In only the seventh week of my pregnancy with my daughter Darcie I was hospitalised by HG.  I was on a drip as even my own saliva was making me vomit.  At four months, after numerous hospital stays, my weight had dropped to six stone and we had to have the heart breaking conversation of whether we should continue with the pregnancy. This was the worse experience of my life bar none.  It was like having the worst flu or food poisoning and it was never-ending. At times I just had to lie alone for days in a darkened room.  The whole time, my eldest daughter was shipped out to family members and my husband had to take on all of the household responsibilities as well as working full time.  I was lucky I had such a supportive family, some women are not so lucky.
 
Then, when I feeling at my absolute worst, I was referred by Derriford hospital to the Women's Reproductive Health accupuncture clinic and placed in the hands of midwife Sarah Budd.  The change in my condition was instant! I was welcomed into a friendly and caring environment and Sarah saw me through my darkest days.  The treatment and advice on managing my symptoms meant I could now spend most of my time at home rather than in hospital. At the times when I could not receive treatment, I was again hospitalised.  I can honestly say that this specialised acupuncture saved the life of my baby and I cannot be a big enough advocate of what this department does for sufferers of HG. I look at my beautiful baby girl now and cannot thank the staff of the department enough. How do you put into words what remarkable work these midwives do? 

This unit  is one of the only unit of its kind in the UK and the three midwives within it have decades of experience in acupuncture.  It's pioneering and a jewel in Plymouth's crown. The money I raise will go towards training more midwives in this treatment.  The department have their own trust fund and your monies will go directly there.

 

For any women suffering from this awful illness, or for those of you who know women going through it, please go to www.helpher.org where you will find support and information.

 

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