Research on HG's short- and long-term effects is desperately needed and needed now. We need to do more to find a cure for this disease that has such devastating effects on a growing number of soon-to-be mothers.

Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA)

HG forces women to make difficult decisions... the H.E.R. web site is the most comprehensice location to educatte oneself to make the best decisions.

Marlena S. Fejzo, PhD USA

HG is a devastating illness and yet so little research has been undertaken into causes and therapies.

Dr. Matthes Seeling, MD

HG is a termendously debilitating disease that can have life long consequences. This Web site will provide much needed support to mothers suffering from this disease.

TM Goodwin, MD USA

HG has a devastating personal and family impact and effective management is most important.

Ron Taylor, MD UK

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H.E.R. Foundation

Take a Survey

If you had hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), did you need multiple dental repairs or reconstruction, or experience significant problems with your jaw, mouth or neck function as a result of HG? (e.g. cavities, root canal, TMJ, disc herniation, etc.)

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Our Mission & Goals

The HER foundation is dedicated to those suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum or those who have survived it. Our mission is to advance HG research, provide education and support to those seeking effective management strategies for hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Only those who experience HG can truly know how difficult it is! The HER Foundation is the voice of support and hope to all who are faced with managing HG.

The HER Foundation also endeavors to achieve the following:

Minimize the suffering and complications related to HG through education.
Eliminate the need to terminate pregnancies due to ineffective treatment.
Eradicate maternal or fetal mortality due to a delay in or a lack of treatment.
Improve management by providing a forum to discuss treatments and outcomes.
Develop a universal, adaptable treatment protocol to ensure consistent, proactive care.
Raise awareness of the debilitating effects of HG to increase support and access to effective medical care.
Educate practitioners, families and supporters on ways to manage and successfully cope.
Expand HG education and awareness in medical and allied health schools.
Contribute to the accuracy of HG related information in publications and through our current research.
Increase awareness of Postpartum Depression & Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome following HG to ensure treatment.
Raise funds to support HG research and awareness, as well as publication of education materials.

USC / HER Foundation Proposed Research Topics ($2.5 million required)

Maternal/Fetal death (associated meds, complications, cause, etc.)
Rare Complications (maternal and fetal)
PICC/TPN complications, effectiveness & fetal outcomes
Trauma after HG (PTSD)
Cognitive effects & treatment after HG (maternal, fetal)
Intrauterine programming (endocrine, emotional)
Twin study Pedigree study (maternal and paternal lines) **
Genetic link (DNA analysis)**
Wernicke's Encephalopathy
Attitudes of health professionals
Modes of nutritional support
Long- and short-term fetal disorders (triple A, neurodevelopmental/behavioral disorders)
Effects of HG on family (relationships, child trauma)
Long-term health issues of HG (autoimmune, musculoskeletal, metabolic)
Treatment strategies/outcomes
**Project has started

Publications & Misc Projects:

Improve accuracy of general population books on pregnancy (e.g. What to Expect, Pregnancy Handbook)
Protocol for nutritional supplementation (criteria, duration)
Assessment forms for health professionals
Multilingual brochures
Continuing Education for nurses
Side-effects of meds
Patient perceptions of prenatal care with/without HG
Health professional attitudes & beliefs about HG
HG management
HG treatment protocol
Survey Research Summaries
HG & Foundation Awareness
HG Symposium to link/educate health professionals & patients
Abnormal outcomes Database (Maternal & Fetal)

Updated on: Mar. 24, 2010