During Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re reminded of the unique challenges faced by mothers, particularly those with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). HG is not just a physical condition; it significantly impacts mental health.
*HG patients have significantly increased risk of maternal mental health diagnosis secondary to HG including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
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Share the facts:
~1 in 2 of HG patients are diagnosed with postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorder (Tain et al., 2016).
HG is one of the top 4 predictors of Postpartum Depression (Munk-Olsen et. al., 2022).
26% of HG patients experience suicidal ideations (Nana et. al., 2022).
18% of HG patients meet full criteria of PTSD (Christodoulou et al., 2011).
A little over 1/2 (52%) considered termination (Nana et al., 2022).
80% of women who experienced HG report negative psychosocial outcome(s) or economic consequences (Poursharif et al., 2007).
WHAT IS HG?
At least 1 million women are estimated to suffer from a serious pregnancy disease each year that takes the lives of thousands of babies (and some mothers) due to chronic malnutrition and dehydration from debilitating nausea and vomiting. The disease known as HG (hyperemesis gravidarum) is often misunderstood, unrecognized or assumed to be psychological, and thus is inadequately treated. This means women suffer to the point of being traumatized, choosing therapeutic termination, or having serious short and long-term health issues. The children, too often, are affected as well. With proper treatment, most issues can be minimized or prevented, and the impact can be reduced. Be HG aware, educate others, and donate to support education and research (HG research rarely gets grant funding!!).
*HG: hyperemesis gravidarum (hyper = excessive, emesis = vomiting, gravidarum = in pregnancy)
**Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease marked by rapid weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration due to unrelenting nausea and/or vomiting with potential adverse consequences for the mom-to-be and the newborn(s).
