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Abstract
Background. In addition to physical health risks, it has been postulated that hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) – severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy – can adversely affect maternal mental health and maternal–fetal attachment.
Methods. A prospective case-control design was used to compare psychological distress, social functioning and maternal–fetal attachment in 32 women with HG compared to 41 matched controls.
Results. Results suggested that while HG compromised some aspects of attachment early in pregnancy (7–16 weeks gestation), this negative effect was clinically small and had faded by follow-up (after 26 weeks gestation). Comparisons did, however, show more significant and persisting psychological distress for those who had HG.
Conclusions. Pregnant women with HG appear to be at elevated risk of mental health difficulties during pregnancy, even when the symptoms of HG resolve. The development of a targeted intervention specifically designed to treat mental health difficulties associated with HG is recommended.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the helpful support and advice of Dr Martin Dempster, School of Psychology, at The Queen's University of Belfast, and Dr David Hunter, Consultant Gynaecologist, and the staff at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital Belfast. The authors would also like to extend special thanks to the participants who took part in this study.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.