Pregnant women suffering from severe nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum, HG) face a significantly increased risk of developing mental and neuropsychiatric disorders. This conclusion was reached by researchers from King’s College London. The results were published in *The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health*.

The study used data from nearly half a million pregnant women diagnosed with HG across 135 clinics worldwide. The researchers relied on the global TriNetX electronic health record database, which covers 18 countries.

HG occurs in about 3.6% of pregnancies and is one of the main causes of hospitalization in the first trimester. Women with this condition suffer from prolonged, severe nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and isolation. Many patients have previously reported developing anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of terminating their pregnancy.

The authors analyzed all cases of 24 mental and neuropsychiatric disorders diagnosed within a year after the onset of early severe pregnancy sickness. The results showed that the risk of developing 13 conditions was significantly higher.

The most frequent disorders included postpartum psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Wernicke’s encephalopathy (vitamin B1 deficiency), and eating disorders. The incidence of postpartum depression was 2.7 times higher in women with HG compared with the control group.

“Many women experience nausea during pregnancy, but hyperemesis is not normal — it is a debilitating condition with serious mental health consequences,” emphasized Dr. Hamilton Morrin, co-author of the study.

According to the authors, the findings highlight the need for early diagnosis and psychological support for women with this condition.