13/08/2026
Waiting for a GP appointment
Many people experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) face significant barriers when trying to access a GP appointment.
GP surgeries work in different ways. Some require patients to submit an eConsult with a 48–72 hour response time, while others ask patients to call at a specific time for same-day appointments. For someone with severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) or HG, this can be incredibly difficult. It may involve waiting on hold, only to be told that all appointments have already gone.
In some cases, patients are offered routine appointments that may be days or even weeks away.
For people with NVP or HG, timely access to assessment and treatment can be crucial. Delays can allow symptoms to worsen, increasing the risk of dehydration and potentially leading to hospital admission.
If you're struggling to access your GP, it may help to:
👨⚕️Explain that your symptoms are worsening and that you are unable to keep food or fluids down, if that is the case.
👩⚕️Ask if there are any urgent appointments, cancellations, or telephone consultations available.
👨⚕️Request a call back from a GP if same-day appointments have gone.
👩⚕️Ask whether another clinician, such as an advanced nurse practitioner or prescribing pharmacist, can assess you if appropriate.
If your symptoms become severe, or you are unable to keep fluids down, seek urgent medical assessment through your local maternity assessment unit (where appropriate), 111, or A&E.
If you're planning another pregnancy after experiencing HG, it can be helpful to have a conversation with your GP before you conceive about how to access support quickly if symptoms return. Together, you can discuss a plan for early assessment and treatment, and ask whether a note can be added to your medical record to highlight your previous history of HG and the need for prompt review.
Having a plan in place may help you access care more quickly if you become unwell again.
