BUDGET HELPS WOMEN WITH PREGNANCY DISEASE

Women experiencing the debilitating pregnancy disease hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) will get more in-home care and support in the 2020-21 NSW Budget.
 
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said $17 million will be invested in education and research into the disease, as well as offering women and their families more practical support.
 
“The Duchess of Cambridge has done much to shine a light on this debilitating disease which saw her hospitalised with severe morning sickness,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Hyperemesis affects hundreds of women in NSW every year, and in some cases it can have a profound impact on their physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing.”
 
HG is different to regular morning sickness because it doesn’t fade away with time and often leaves women bed-bound with vomiting, dizziness, fatigue and food aversion.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in extreme cases HG can result in pregnancy loss or termination by women, and some women can become depressed and feel suicidal.
 
“The adverse health consequences for mother and child as a result of HG are well documented but there is no test for it and the cause is unknown,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“This funding will help support collaborative research and also help to better inform pregnant women and medical providers about the signs and symptoms to look out for.”
 
As well as helping identify women with hyperemesis, the funding boost will:

• Provide clinical care including symptom management, nutrition and psychosocial support; as well as home-based support  and virtual care.
• Help develop education tools to better inform women and health professionals.
• Support research.
• Ensure hospital, community and primary care providers are better integrated.

 
The $17 million commitment over two years to support pregnant women with HG, is in addition to the $157 million Parenting Package announced in the 2018-19 NSW Budget.