Overview

• In a PLOS One study of 289 women, 54% said they had considered terminating a pregnancy and 90% had considered not having more children due to hyperemesis gravidarum.
• Sixty-two percent reported frequent anxiety or depression, and more than half described major disruptions to work, caregiving, daily tasks, eating and sleep.
• Only about half rated commonly prescribed therapies as effective, with ondansetron, doxylamine and corticosteroids perceived as the most helpful options.
• Medication burdens were common, with side effects such as constipation, sedation and impaired cognition leading 31% to stop metoclopramide, 14% to stop ondansetron and 10% to stop doxylamine.
• Thirty-seven percent requested early induction of labor, and the co-designed study with Hyperemesis Australia urges expanded support services, stronger clinical guidance and further research on long-term outcomes.