Psychosocial Effects of Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Objective: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can have significant physical consequences for the pregnant individual. However, studying affected patients often reveals an additional dimension of impact—specifically, the psychosocial effects on their quality of life.

Materials and methods: This literature review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Relevant articles were identified through a systematic search across three major databases on May 18, 2024: Google Scholar, Cochrane, and PubMed.

Results: 19 full-text articles met inclusion criteria. Across all studies, HG was consistently associated with poorer psychiatric health, strained social relationships, and broader psychosocial burdens.

Conclusion: This particular review highlights the importance of appropriately taking a psychosocial history with patients at obstetric appointments. In addition, it encourages the practicing physician to delve further into the psychosocial health of each of their patients during these visits. Lastly, this review provides definitive evidence from a number of sources that these patients are truly suffering and calls to action investigation into new treatments and treatment methodologies to provide benefits for these needy patients.