Severe Nausea During Pregnancy Linked too Significantly Higher Risk of Postpartum Depression
PARIS, November 18, 2025 – A groundbreaking new study reveals a strong correlation between severe nausea during pregnancy - known as hyperemesis gravidarum – and an increased risk of both pre- and post-natal depression. Researchers at the University of Turku, Finland, found that women experiencing debilitating nausea were 3.5 times more likely to develop postpartum depression, prompting calls for strengthened psychiatric screening from the start of pregnancy.
Postpartum depression is a notable public health concern, manifesting in symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, severe fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Some mothers also experience increased anxiety about their child’s health, impulse phobias, or even suicidal thoughts, according to Health Insurance. Risk factors include personal or family psychiatric history, anxiety during pregnancy, social isolation, insecurity, and unwanted pregnancy, alongside obstetric or neonatal complications.
The Finnish study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, utilized national registry data to establish the bidirectional association between hyperemesis gravidarum and depression. This finding underscores the importance of early intervention, with support including psychotherapy, involvement of loved ones, referral to a psychiatrist, or specialized mother-baby unit care when symptoms extend beyond transient psychological distress.
health officials emphasize that post-natal consultations,early post-natal interviews,and midwifery visits represent crucial opportunities for screening. The study’s results, communicated via Medical Xpress on November 15, 2025, highlight the need for systematic psychiatric evaluation, particularly for pregnant women presenting with severe nausea and vomiting.
Sources:
* Association between hyperemesis gravidarum and depression: a national register-based controlled study in Finland, the Lancet Psychiatry, November 2025. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(25)00271-8/abstract00271-8/abstract)
* Severe nausea during pregnancy and depression: Study reveals bidirectional association, communiqué, Université de Turku via Medical xpress, November 15, 2025. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-11-severe-nausea-pregnancy-depression-reveals.html
* Postpartum depression: a public health issue at the heart of regional priorities, ARS Île-de-France, March 26, 2025. https://www.iledefrance.ars.sante.fr/depression-post-partum-un-enjeu-de-sante-publique-au-coeur-des-priorites-regionales
* Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: symptoms and causes, Health insurance, February 26, 2025. https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/devenir-parent/grossesse/difficultes-et-maladies-pendant-la-grossesse/grossesse-nausees-et-vomissements/nausees-vomissements-grossesse#:~:text=Naus%C3%A9es%20et%20vomissements%20sont%20fr%C3%A9quents,’est%20l’hyper%C3%A8m%C3%A8se%20gravidique.
* Postpartum depression,