Changing attitudes and perceptions to hyperemesis gravidarum

A small, but significant proportion of pregnant women (1% to 2% of all pregnancies), suffer from a severe form of nausea and vomiting, which is categorised as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The arbitrary definition, aetiology and management of HG, which leads to conflicting attitudes and beliefs among healthcare professionals, inevitably impacts on the woman's overall experience of the condition. It causes great distress and if medical and ward staff misunderstand the condition, it can increase rather than reduce the suffering of women. A structured review was designed, both to determine the attitude and beliefs held by healthcare professionals and to advance understanding of women's experiences in relation to HG. A comprehensive search of literature was carried out. Due to the nature of the study, all the relevant identified and included articles were qualitative, therefore narrative synthesis of the tabulated results was carried out. The findings are discussed under the following themes: the experiences of the women, the various attitudes of health professionals. How the relationship between patients and health professionals is in regard to the mother's satisfaction with care and treatment. In the absence of evidence for an effective treatment, it is crucial to try and understand this complex condition, and to expand the circle of support from family to healthcare professionals involved in looking after sufferers.