Dr. Marlena Fejzo Advocates for Women's Health at the White House Conference

Dr. Marlena Fejzo Advocates for Hyperemesis Gravidarum Research at White House Conference

Dr. Marlena Fejzo, a leading voice in women's health and Research Director of the HER Foundation, recently addressed the inaugural White House Conference on Women's Health Research. This landmark event aimed to highlight critical issues regarding women's health, with Dr. Fejzo focusing on hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition that has long been overshadowed despite affecting many pregnant women globally.

Dr. Fejzo’s Passionate Advocacy

For over two decades, Dr. Fejzo has dedicated her career to advancing research on HG, often facing the challenge of limited institutional funding. Her groundbreaking work began to gain recognition in 2017 when she identified GDF15 as a primary contributor to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Today, she is committed to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for HG, a debilitating condition impacting about 10% of pregnancies worldwide.

During her speech, Dr. Fejzo poignantly shared her own experience with HG, recounting the devastating loss of her pregnancy in 1999. She described the condition as “10 unbearable weeks of constant suffering,” emphasizing the profound impact it had not only on her life but also on her family. The stigma surrounding HG is still prevalent, as Dr. Fejzo noted, stating that she was often told her symptoms were exaggerated for attention. This personal journey ignited her passion for addressing the lack of scientific research and understanding surrounding HG, prompting her to devote her life to finding answers.

The Impact of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is far more serious than the more commonly understood morning sickness; it can lead to significant risks including fetal loss and preterm birth. With associated hospital costs surpassing $3 billion annually in the U.S. alone, these statistics highlight the urgent need for more research and resources dedicated to this condition. While typical morning sickness may result in about 23 missed workdays, those suffering from HG frequently miss an average of 60 days, underscoring the drastic difference in severity between the two conditions.

In addition to the immediate health risks during pregnancy, studies have shown that babies born after HG pregnancies are at an increased risk for neurodevelopmental issues, including speech and language delays, as well as emotional and behavioral disorders.

HER Foundation's Mission

Since its establishment in 2000, the HER Foundation has been at the forefront of advocating for awareness, education, and research into HG. Executive Director Kimber MacGibbon highlighted the lifelong challenges HG can create for families, both financially and emotionally. She stressed the necessity of increased funding for HG research, stating, “It’s past time we devoted funding to HG research.” The foundation has implemented groundbreaking genetics research alongside leading academic institutions, reshaping the understanding of HG and developing valuable resources like treatment protocols and the HG Care iOS app to support affected families.

Dr. Fejzo’s advocacy at the White House Conference illuminates the pressing need for greater attention to women's health issues, particularly hyperemesis gravidarum. With her unwavering dedication and the continued efforts of the HER Foundation, there is hope for a future where HG is better understood, adequately funded, and profoundly changed for those who suffer from it. In the words of Dr. Fejzo, “Finding the cause and developing effective solutions is my life's mission, and together, we will make a difference.”