Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: Relationship with anxiety and depression

Abstract

Objective. To investigate the association between either depression or anxiety early in pregnancy, and nausea and vomiting, in a clinical sample.

Methods. Anxiety and depression scores of 230 women were investigated by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) were scored by using the Rhode's system. These scores and demographic data were compared and P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results. A significant correlation between Rhode's score and both anxiety (r = 0.388, P < 0.001) and depression score, (r = 0.351, P < 0.001) was found. Gestational age showed an inverse correlation with anxiety scores (P = 0.019). There was no significant correlation between demographic data and anxiety/depression scores, or Rhode's scores.

Conclusion. There is an association between anxiety and depression early pregnancy and severity of NVP.

Keywords:

• Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP)
• Rhode's Score system
• anxiety
• depression