NEW Australian research has revealed the emotional and physical toll of extreme morning sickness, with more than half of affected women reporting they considered terminating their pregnancy, and nine in 10 saying they had considered not having more children.

Published in PLOS One, the national survey is a comprehensive investigation into the lived experience of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) – a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that is reported to affect 0.3-10.8% of pregnancies.

The findings highlight not only the debilitating nature of the condition but also the inconsistent effectiveness of commonly prescribed treatments.

Ondansetron, doxylamine and corticosteroids were perceived as the most effective medications, yet many women reported significant side effects, including constipation, sedation, and impaired cognition.

Less than 20% of those surveyed found ginger effective, and less than 40% considered pyridoxine at least moderately effective.

Lead author Associate Professor Luke Grzeskowiak, a pharmacist and researcher from Flinders University, said that the findings underscore the urgent need for more compassionate, evidence-based care for pregnant women experiencing HG.

“Hyperemesis gravidarum is not just morning sickness – it’s a serious condition that can have devastating consequences for women’s mental health, relationships, and decisions about future pregnancies,” he said.

“Our study shows that many women are not getting the support or relief they need, and that’s something we must urgently address,” he said.

“We need better evidence to guide treatment decisions and ensure women are supported to make informed choices.”

Read the study HERE. KB

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