Morning Sickness: Truths They Don’t Tell You About Hyperemesis Gravidarum with Charlotte Howden
Start Smart: Fertility - Pregnancy - Hormone Health
Release Date: 10/06/2025
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Morning Sickness: Truths They Don’t Tell You About Hyperemesis Gravidarum with Charlotte Howden
Start Smart: Fertility - Pregnancy - Hormone Health
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is one of the most misunderstood and debilitating conditions in pregnancy. This episode brings to light the realities behind what many dismiss as ordinary morning sickness. Charlotte Howden, Chief Executive Officer of Pregnancy Sickness Support, shares her personal journey with HG and how it inspired her to lead the UK charity dedicated to supporting those affected. Together we explore the evolution of advocacy, the state of care and education, access to medication, and the promising research that is changing the future for women with HG. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to...
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Start Smart: Fertility - Pregnancy - Hormone Health
In this episode of Pregnant-ish, host Kristin Williams engages in a heartfelt conversation with Katherine Heimos, PhD, and her mother, Debra, about their experiences with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). They discuss the challenges, emotional toll, and the importance of support systems during pregnancy. Katherine shares her journey of transforming her struggles into advocacy and education for others facing HG, emphasizing the need for understanding and specialized support. The conversation highlights the generational impact of HG and the significance of sharing stories to foster connection and...
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Start Smart: Fertility - Pregnancy - Hormone Health
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Hyperemesis Gravidarum Warrior Turned Mentor with Dr. Kathryn Heimos
Start Smart: Fertility - Pregnancy - Hormone Health
KeywordsHyperemesis Gravidarum, HG, pregnancy, maternal health, mental health, support systems, advocacy, early pregnancy care, emotional wellbeing, healthcare challenges SummaryIn this episode of Pregnant-ish, host Kristen Williams speaks with Kathryn Heimos, a two-time survivor of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Kathryn shares her personal journey through the challenges of HG, emphasizing the emotional and mental toll it takes on expectant mothers. She discusses the importance of proactive care, the need for supportive healthcare teams, and the role of personal advocacy in...
info_outlineHyperemesis Gravidarum is one of the most misunderstood and debilitating conditions in pregnancy. This episode brings to light the realities behind what many dismiss as ordinary morning sickness. Charlotte Howden, Chief Executive Officer of Pregnancy Sickness Support, shares her personal journey with HG and how it inspired her to lead the UK charity dedicated to supporting those affected. Together we explore the evolution of advocacy, the state of care and education, access to medication, and the promising research that is changing the future for women with HG.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) Awareness
03:16 Charlotte's Personal Journey with HG
06:04 The Evolution of Pregnancy Sickness Support Group
08:49 Misconceptions Surrounding HG
11:37 Current State of HG Care and Education
17:21 Access to Medication and the Postcode Lottery
22:03 Emerging Research and Future Treatments for HG
28:38 How to Get Involved and Support HG Advocacy
33:02 Introduction to the Journey of Pregnancy
33:03 Support Systems in Early Pregnancy
About Pregnancy Sickness Support
Pregnancy Sickness Support is a UK-based charity dedicated to improving the experience and alleviating the suffering of those affected by pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
Mission & Purpose
They exist to champion the needs of people who experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) or HG, and to empower healthcare professionals by promoting evidence-based research and standards of care. pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk Their work encompasses:
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Operating a free helpline and peer support services pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
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Educating and connecting sufferers, caregivers, and professionals with reliable information pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
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Raising awareness of the condition at a public and clinical level pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
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Encouraging and participating in research to better understand, treat, and support HG pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
History & Growth
Originally established in 2002 as a charitable trust, the organisation grew out of earlier clinical research into pregnancy sickness led by founders such as Dr Barnie-Adshead and Dr Gadsby. pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk Over time, PSS has expanded its staff, services, and scope—including launching a counselling program in early 2023. pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
Team & Leadership
PSS is supported by a combination of paid staff, volunteers, advisors, and trustees. pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
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Charlotte Howden is Chief Executive Officer, having joined in August 2023. pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
About Materna Healthcare:
Materna Healthcare is a first-of-its-kind medical practice dedicated to early pregnancy care. From preconception through the earliest stages of pregnancy, we provide expert, compassionate, same-day care designed to keep women out of the emergency room and connected to the support they need.
Learn more at www.maternahealthcare.com or reach out at hello@maternahealthcare.com. Follow us on instagram @materna_health_
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