Understanding the support needs of women with hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe condition, but little is known about how best to psychologically support those going through this experience.

HG, a severe form of nausea and vomiting affects 0.3-3.4 % of pregnancies. It can have significant psychological impacts on sufferers, with increased rates of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. There is a need for interventions tailored to this group that could ameliorate these impacts.

To explore what women with HG found useful for their mental health, what could and should be targeted in an intervention and optimal features of an intervention.

A series of focus groups were run with 22 survivors of HG, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Four overarching themes were identified: the individual journey of HG; recognition and validation by healthcare professionals; impact on family roles and systems; flexible personalised support. The need for cultural competence in understanding and developing support ran through the themes.

HG involves both physical and psychological impacts, some of which are exacerbated by invalidating interactions and lack of knowledge in the healthcare system. Those with HG are simultaneously physically and mentally depleted, leading to multiple impacts on woman and family. A tailored intervention including elements of information, recording and active psychological intervention could support women's physical and mental health during HG, with the potential to prevent or ameliorate negative psychological consequences.

Psychological support for women with HG is a current gap. A tailored intervention has promise to mitigate negative impacts of this condition.