Hyperemesis Gravidarum and mental health support needs

This PhD project, funded by an ARU Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship, explores the mental health support needs of women experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) in the UK.

HG is a serious complication of pregnancy, characterised by severe nausea and/or vomiting, the inability to eat/drink normally, and strong limitations on daily activities (Jansen et al., 2021). HG has been shown to impact mental health both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

The existing literature indicates a lack of qualitative research about women’s experiences of HG and its effects on mental health (Dean et al., 2018, Beirne et al., 2023). In response, this study explores the mental health impacts of experiencing HG during pregnancy and up to five years postpartum, with the aim of identifying how women’s mental health may be better supported.

This study's objectives are to:

  • Explore the mental health impacts of HG during pregnancy and up to five years postpartum.
  • Discover which (if any) forms of support women have received during or after pregnancy relating to HG.
  • Explore the mental health support needs of women in the UK with current or previous experience of HG.

The research will involve interviews with 12-16 women. Semi-structured questions will guide the topics discussed and allow the interviewees to expand upon their experiences, facilitating richness and potential for new considerations.

Following the interviews, the women will be brought together into focus groups to produce a shared piece of creative writing, leveraging findings that arts-based approaches to research enable a deeper understanding of experiences (Greenwood, 2012; Wilson et al., 2023).

This research will lead to the identification of appropriate strategies for the promotion of the mental health of women experiencing HG in the UK.

ARU project team

This research is being undertaken by Sarah Moore, supervised by Dr Ceri Wilson, Dr Melanie Boyce, and Dr Amanda Wagg.

Sarah previously worked in primary care commissioning at Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) with a particular focus on women’s health, and has a diploma in Clinical Research from Cardiff University. She is a volunteer peer supporter for the UK charity Pregnancy Sickness Support, having experienced HG in two pregnancies.

Sarah has an interest in arts and wellbeing and is a co-founder of the Yeovil Poets Society.

You can find out more about this research project by emailing Sarah at [email protected]