Pregnancy sickness so severe it makes women want to die
WOMEN who suffer from severe sickness during pregnancy are being driven to consider abortion and suicide, a study has found.
Hyperemesis gravidarum starts early in pregnancy and causes nausea and vomiting potentially dozens of times a day. It affects around one in 100 pregnancies.
The Duchess of Cambridge had it while pregnant with all three of her children, and was hospitalised while expecting Prince George after becoming severely dehydrated.
A survey of more than 5,000 women who have suffered from the debilitating condition found almost one in 20 ended their pregnancy because of it. More than half considered a termination, and around a quarter said they had felt suicidal. Despite the availability of drugs with evidence for safety in pregnancy, 41 per cent of women surveyed said they had to actively request medication.
Dr Melanie Nana, lead author of the study from King’s College London, said: ‘This study confirms women’s physical and mental distress from HG, and the large number unable to even get out of bed or access the medications they need.’
The survey recruited 5,071 women who were members of the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support, and currently or previously had hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).
More than two-thirds reported being bedridden with the condition, while 441 said they experienced nausea and/or vomiting 20 times a day or more. Women described their distress at being unable to manage everyday tasks, with one writing: ‘Being unable to do things like shower, or even sit up, left me in absolute despair.’
Previous studies show up to 46 per cent of women with HG have to take time off work, while many lose their jobs. It is unclear what causes the illness, which can run in families. Genes are thought to play an important role.
The effect of constantly being sick often leaves women needing to be put on a drip in hospital after becoming dangerously dehydrated. Highlighting the impact it can have on mental health, 19 women said they ‘hoped not to wake up each morning’. Some 184 said their experience meant they decided not to have another baby.
Researchers found a link between care from medical professionals and whether women terminated their pregnancy or became suicidal.
There is evidence that some women are still being told their sickness is psychological, while doctors may be reluctant to prescribe drugs.
Dr Caitlin Dean, chairman of Pregnancy Sickness Support, said: ‘There remains a persistent stigma around pregnancy sickness which hampers access to treatment and results in women losing their babies.’ Clare Murphy, chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, said: ‘We must move away from the mantra that “nothing is safe in pregnancy”, because not treating pregnant women is also harmful.’
‘Told their illness is psychological’