A new study brings the pregnancy complication Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) that is widely undiagnosed into the spotlight. This complication affects only 0.3–11 percent of pregnancies. This extreme type of pregnancy-related nausea can wreck women’s lives and their families’ lives. Transitioning is frequently accompanied by hospitalizations, severe emotional distress, and life-altering disruption to daily activities. Catherine, Princess of Wales, has made no secret of her struggles with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) throughout all three of her pregnancies. This debilitating condition resulted in dozens of hospital visits and required her to cancel several royal engagements.
Our qualitative inquiry sheds light on the experiences of many women similar to Rebekah, who experienced HG with very little information beforehand about the condition. It wasn’t until after she had landed in an emergency department that she understood the possible life changing consequences of her symptoms. The findings reveal that many women experience debilitating effects, ranging from persistent nausea to complete inability to care for themselves or their families.
In fact, the repercussions of HG go far beyond the discomfort. A shocking 90 percent of these survey respondents say they’re seriously thinking about not having additional children. Their experiences with HG have greatly shaped this decision. The emotional effect would be my biggest worry. According to the National MS Society, a depressing 62 percent of women have suffered from depression and/or anxiety while dealing with their symptoms.
The Physical Toll of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is characterized by uncontrollable nausea and vomiting that prevents normal day-to-day functioning. Women, like Rebekah, who have endometriosis live with a painful and debilitating condition. Sometimes it can be debilitating, to the level they can’t retain meals or get out of their mattress.
Rebekah said she found the whole experience profound. She remembered being bent over in pain after bringing up blood on the way to the hospital and saying to her partner, “I can’t continue like this, I’m going to need us to have a termination.” Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of the real world suffering common among the women afflicted with this debilitating condition.
Rebekah’s nightmare was only one-third of the study’s findings. In fact, our research found that more than four in five respondents experienced major challenges to their social life and everyday errands. Over 60 percent said these restrictions caused a major interruption in their practice and their capacity to provide care for other children.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
The emotional weight that comes with Hyperemesis Gravidarum is deep. Our survey revealed that women aborting babies they never chose to conceive are dealing with emotional trauma as well as physical distress. Sixty-two percent experienced anxiety and depression while they were sick.
One message the researchers took home, according to Dr. Grzeskowiak, was the emotional and physical impact of hyperemesis was truly shocking. He was passionate about raising awareness of the condition and its impact on people and families. That’s why it’s so important to spread awareness about hyperemesis. The toll of this condition on the physical and emotional health of individuals and their families is immeasurable.
Rebekah’s candid acknowledgment of her feelings underscores this reality: “I was deeply ashamed of even saying it. If I hadn’t said it, I don’t think I would have got the help that I needed.” Her insights serve to illuminate the stigma that surrounds HG, which often makes it difficult for those suffering to find safe and effective treatment.
Seeking Relief Amidst Challenges
In spite of the debilitating effects of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, countless women look for relief through both traditional and alternative treatments. The study showed that just 50% of the people surveyed were satisfied with traditional treatments. What’s more, many of the participants suffered from intolerable adverse events.
We thank Dr. Grzeskowiak for drawing attention to this important point. For some women, the side effects they experience from medications can be more detrimental than the disease they are working to manage. This underscores the critical need for better treatment options to HG patients.
After having little success with conventional treatments, over half of the women in the study had looked outside of traditional practices for answers. They began seeking more accessible cures such as aromatherapy or herbal treatments. Angela Brown noted that women are fierce in their quest to seek relief from their symptoms. Though the evidence for some of these options is still developing, they use complementary therapies more actively with conventional care.
Follow her journey as she approaches the birth of her second child, this time dealing with HG again at 19 weeks pregnant. She said, “Achieving that is a very, very difficult tedious effort. It’s not something you can do alone.” Her words struck a chord with all who suffer the same fate.
