How we can help
Our expert support team are just a message away.
Call us if you need support on 0800 055 4361.
How can we support you?
Any level of pregnancy sickness is unpleasant, but if you are suffering enough that you have come looking for help online then the chances are you are suffering more than “normal”.
We have a variety of different support services available. You can call our helpline, use our WhatsApp service or email us.
You will communicate directly with one of our trained support team who can provide you with information you need to get the care and treatment you deserve.
Call our helpline
Our helpline is open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. It is closed on weekends and bank holidays, but you can leave us a message and someone from the support team will call you back.
Call us on 0800 055 4361.
WhatsApp us
If talking on the phone is difficult you can use our WhatsApp service and message with one of our support team.
WhatsApp us.
Email us
You can email our support team at [email protected] and speak to us via email or request for one of the support team to call you back and book in a convenient time to talk.
Introducing HG Day Units
Do you have a diagnosis of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (severe nausea or vomiting) in early pregnancy? Are you under 14 weeks’ gestation?
The Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust can help.
There Ambulatory Hyperemesis Gravidarum service is open to patients from both hospitals, as well as sufferers from outside the NHS Trust.
This is a self referral service and offers both fluids and anti-sickness medication usually offered during a 4 hour afternoon period.
To refer to the service please call 07425 692397, between 8-10am, Monday to Friday.
For more information please click here.
Would you like to apply for Peer Support?
Peer support is when our volunteers use their own shared experiences to help others.
At Pregnancy Sickness Support we want to create a service where you feel accepted and understood. We use our amazing volunteer network who have all suffered with HG or severe pregnancy sickness, to be able to offer this much needed service to people who are currently pregnant and suffering. How much support you receive can vary depending on what feels right for you at different times. You can access this service at any point in your pregnancy. Simply complete the form at the bottom of this page. You may need someone to help you go through the information on this page but it is important you understand the terms and conditions.
One of the toughest aspects of pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum is the isolation and feelings of not being understood.
TYPES OF PEER SUPPORT
1-2-1 peer support – support with 1 volunteer. You will have ongoing emotional support via text, email, or WhatsApp. If screen time is a trigger for you, we can organise support via phone calls.
Group support – a group chat can sometimes be more beneficial if you have more complex needs, or you may be matched with a mentored volunteer who is training.
We have volunteer peer supporters from a variety of backgrounds (different ethnicities, religions, sexualities, gender identities, abilities, classes, regions, nationalities, job roles etc.) and with a range of personal experiences (such as fertility treatment, miscarriage, termination, breastfeeding through HG, service families etc.). If you wish to be matched with someone with a similar experience or background to you then do tell us and we will always aim to match you with the most appropriate person.
All volunteers go through a robust application process, which includes a telephone interview and professional references as well as online training and are supported closely by the team at PSS-HQ.
IS PEER SUPPORT RIGHT FOR ME?
Lots of people find peer support improves their wellbeing and helps them to advocate for themselves. It can help you to be more open about what you are experiencing and reassure you that you are not alone. By speaking with someone who has previously experienced the condition it can introduce you to ideas and approaches that other people have found helpful.
Peer support helps you share your feelings and emotions. It’s common to feel nervous or worried about what people will say, and it’s likely that your peers will understand. They might feel the same way too and it’s up to you how much you share.
Although many people find peer support helpful, not everyone does. You might find that it does not suit you or does not meet your needs. There might also be times when other people’s experiences feel unhelpful or triggering for you.
If it is not the right thing for you now, you should still be able to access it in the future if you want to. How much communication you and your peer supporter have is completely up to you. Some people find having daily conversations is helpful however some people prefer to exchange messages once or twice a week, this can be discussed with your volunteer.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
- A confidential and safe service
- Regular contact reducing isolation and fear of this debilitating condition. The level of support will be determined by you in conjunction with your volunteer peer supporter/s
- Support can be provided via telephone, text, WhatsApp, or email. On occasions, people have also met their volunteer peer supporter face to face if they are local to them
- If you are unable to build a rapport with your volunteer peer supporter/s, please let us know and we will do our utmost to offer you another volunteer peer supporter.
AM I ELIGIBLE?
While we offer this service to as many people as possible there may be occasions where applicants are not eligible for this service. This could be for a variety of reasons; for example, your needs are beyond our remit and knowledge base, however we will always refer you to more appropriate organisations. Peer support is also only availble for UK residents.
“The helpline was an amazing lifeline. I was at rock bottom and really needed help.”
Anonymous