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. 2022 Sep;15(3):180-184.
doi: 10.1177/1753495X211040926. Epub 2021 Oct 19.

Termination of wanted pregnancy and suicidal ideation in hyperemesis gravidarum: A mixed methods study

Melanie Nana  1 , Florence Tydeman  2 , Georgie Bevan  3 , Harriet Boulding  4 , Kimberley Kavanagh  2 , Caitlin Dean  5 , Catherine Williamson  6
Affiliations

Termination of wanted pregnancy and suicidal ideation in hyperemesis gravidarum: A mixed methods study

Melanie Nana et al. Obstet Med. 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Difficulty accessing medication and poor patient experience have been implicated as risk factors for termination of pregnancy and suicidal ideation in women with hyperemesis gravidarum. We aimed to gain further insight into these factors in order to further inform and improve patient care.

Methods: We performed a sub-analysis on quantitative data generated through a UK-wide survey of 5071 participants. A qualitative analysis of free text comments was performed using an inductive thematic approach.

Results: 41.2% % of women taking prescribed medications had to actively request them. 'Extremely poor' or 'poor' experiences were described in 39.4% and 30.0% of participants in primary and secondary care respectively. Protective factors for termination of pregnancy and suicidal ideation include holistic support from family, friends and healthcare providers.

Conclusion: Optimal care in hyperemesis gravidarum should incorporate timely access to pharmacotherapy, assessment of mental health, consideration of referral to specialist services and care being delivered in a compassionate manner.

Keywords: Hyperemesis gravidarum; suicidal ideation; termination of pregnancy; treatment experience.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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