Pregnancy doesn’t always begin with glowing anticipation. For some moms, it begins with survival. Severe pregnancy sickness, called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), can mean months of relentless nausea, repeated hospital stays, and exhaustion that touches every part of life.
Now, new research published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health reveals what many moms have felt all along: HG ravages both the body and the mind, leaving lasting emotional scars. Women with HG face a significantly higher risk of depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. For countless moms, this is long-overdue validation.
What the study found
Researchers analyzed the health records of nearly half a million women across 18 countries. Their findings are striking:
-
HG is linked to a 50% increase in mental health and neuropsychiatric disorders within the first year after diagnosis.
-
Rates of postpartum depression were nearly tripled in women with HG.
-
Women also faced higher risks of PTSD, eating disorders, and even rare conditions like postpartum psychosis.
-
Severe complications such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a neurological disorder caused by vitamin B1 deficiency, were more common too.
These findings make one thing clear: even when symptoms seem “milder,” HG can trigger lasting emotional and psychological struggles.
Related: Hyperemesis gravidarum specialist argues for greater investment in women’s health
Why it matters for moms
For too long, women with HG have been told to “just tough it out.” Many have heard dismissive comments that their symptoms are exaggerated or “just morning sickness.” This study proves otherwise—HG is a serious condition that demands compassion, not minimization.
The toll is twofold: moms battle relentless nausea, dehydration, or hospitalization while also carrying a heightened risk of depression and other psychiatric disorders. Pregnancy, instead of being joyful, can feel overwhelming and frightening.
The data makes one thing clear: moms deserve real care and emotional support, not dismissal.
Related: Hyperemesis gravidarum is about so much more than just morning sickness
What the experts want moms to know
Dr. Hamilton Morrin, a Doctoral Fellow at King’s College London, told Bioengineer that while mild nausea and vomiting are often normalized as part of pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum represents a severe spectrum with debilitating consequences.
Dr. Thomas Pollak, Clinical Reader and Consultant Neuropsychiatrist at King’s College London, added that this study substantially bridges the gap between the lived experiences of women with HG and the medical community’s understanding.
Together, their voices highlight what moms have long known: HG care must treat both body and mind.
Practical takeaways for moms and their support networks
So what can moms—and the people who love them—do with this knowledge? Here are a few steps that can make the hardest days of HG a little lighter.
If you’re a mom with HG:
-
Speak openly with your provider about both physical and emotional symptoms.
-
Ask about mental health screening or a referral if you notice signs of depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
-
Track your symptoms—early intervention can protect both physical and mental health.
If you love someone with HG:
-
Believe her, and take her symptoms seriously.
-
Offer concrete help—meals, childcare, chores—so she doesn’t feel alone.
-
Check in postpartum: risks don’t disappear after delivery.
Related: How to cope with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), from a mama who’s going through it
The bigger picture
HG is both a medical crisis and an emotional journey that transforms how moms experience pregnancy. This study shows why healthcare providers, families, and workplaces must integrate mental health screening and compassionate support into care from day one.For moms, this research offers hope. It confirms what many have whispered through tears: HG changes everything, and it deserves recognition.