Study Links Severe Pregnancy Sickness to Over 50% Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders
LONDON – Women experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe form of morning sickness, face a significantly elevated risk of developing mental health disorders like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to new research published recently. The study, analyzing data from over 300,000 pregnancies, reveals a greater than 50% increase in the likelihood of these conditions following HG.
The findings underscore a critical connection frequently enough overlooked in prenatal care: the profound psychological impact of debilitating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. While mild nausea is commonly accepted as part of pregnancy, HG represents a far more severe condition with possibly long-lasting consequences for maternal mental wellbeing.This research aims to bridge the gap between the lived experiences of women with HG and the medical community’s understanding of the condition.
Dr.Iffath Abbasi, a Clinical Fellow at King’s College London, explained to Bioengineer that while mild nausea and vomiting are often normalized as part of pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum represents a severe spectrum with debilitating consequences. Dr. Thomas Pollak, Clinical Reader and Consultant Neuropsychiatrist at King’s College London, added that this study substantially bridges the gap between the lived experiences of women with HG and the medical community’s understanding.
What Moms and Their Support Networks Should Know
The research highlights the importance of comprehensive care for women experiencing HG, addressing both the physical and emotional toll of the condition. Experts recommend open dialog with healthcare providers about all symptoms,including those related to mental health. Moms experiencing HG should proactively discuss mental health screening or a referral with their doctor if they notice signs of depression, anxiety, or PTSD, and track their symptoms to facilitate early intervention.
For partners, family, and friends, believing a woman’s experience with HG and offering concrete support – such as help with meals, childcare, and household chores – are crucial. Support shouldn’t end after delivery, as the risks to mental health can persist postpartum.
This study reinforces what many mothers have long known: HG care must treat both body and mind. Recognizing HG as a medical crisis with meaningful emotional repercussions is vital for healthcare providers, families, and workplaces to integrate mental health screening and compassionate support into care from the outset. The research offers hope by validating the transformative and frequently enough traumatic experience of HG, and advocating for the recognition it deserves.
