Women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) need more support

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Joanna Lovell

Senior Social & Newsletter Writer

Scientists are calling for further research into this devastating condition, urging it to be taken more seriously.

A lack of support for women suffering with extreme sickness during pregnancy, HG (hyperemesis gravidarum), are being driven to consider suicide and to terminations, a new study has found.

Developed between the BBC, Pregnancy Sickness Support, and researchers at King's and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, the study is the largest ever of women suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum (HV).

More than 5,000 women took part, with 5% admitting they had terminated a wanted pregnancy because they were unable to cope with the severe condition.

More than half of the women surveyed admitted they'd considered termination, with women also reporting that death felt preferable to the constant nausea and vomiting of HG.

Senior author, Professor Catherine Williamson from King’s College London, said the study, published in the Obstetric Medicine journal, shows how important further research into this condition is.

She said:

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'This study has confirmed the urgent need for further research into this devastating condition.

'We hope that the work we are currently carrying out at King’s College London will allow us to find out more about the effects that hyperemesis gravidarum has on both the mother and developing child and also about what causes this illness.

'By answering these questions, we will be able to develop more effective treatments, improving the care of these women.'

HG is defined as persistent and excessive nausea and vomiting that affects 0.3-3.6% of pregnancies. Women with the condition describe it a being terrifying, frightening, debilitating and isolating.

Of the women surveyed, 67.8% were bedridden throughout their pregnancy and needed daily support.

The condition impacted their ability to work as well as thier caring responsibilities. One woman described making the decision to terminate, 'to avoid losing my new job and home for my first child, which I had rented after six months of homelessness'.

In 184 women, their experience resulted in them making the decision not to have another baby in the future.

Lead author, Dr Melanie Nana from King’s College London, said the study shows how important it is that women have access to medication.

She said:

'This study describes the lived experience of many women across the UK who have suffered with hyperemesis gravidarum and reflects our clinical experience of looking after such patients.

'It highlights the importance of ensuring women can easily access anti-sickness medication in a timely fashion, the need to provide good guidance for the healthcare professionals looking after them and the great value of mental health support in women who need it.'

Dr Caitlin Dean, Chairperson of Pregnancy Sickness Support said the study demonstrates the scale of the poor care received by women who felt they were left with no other choice but to terminate their pregnancies.

She said:

'This study demonstrates the scale of the problem with HG care in the UK.

'Too many women are receiving poor care and losing their much-wanted babies. We need greater awareness of the available treatments and more compassion in the way care is provided.

Clare Murphy, Chief Executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, BPAS, said the study should raise the awareness of HG.

She said:

'No woman should have to end a wanted pregnancy because she has been unable to access the care she needs.

'This is an important study which must raise awareness of the devastating consequences of severe pregnancy sickness which women are often expected just to put up with.

'We must move away from the mantra that nothing is safe in pregnancy because not treating pregnant women is also harmful. Safe, effective medications are available, and women must be offered them.'

Have you suffered from HG? What did you do to help ease your symptoms? Share your stories in the forum thread, below...

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