“Imprisoned in my own body”- Women's experiences of Hyperemesis Gravidarum during pregnancy : A qualitative study

Abstract: Introduction: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) in pregnancy can cause severe and persistent vomiting, nausea, dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The symptoms can have varying degrees of impact on women's physical, emotional, social, and marital lives and affect their quality of life. Some women voluntarily terminate their pregnancies due to HG. Despite the severe consequences, the etiology of this disorder remains unknown. HG is thought to be caused by a mixture of hormonal variables and genetics. Various therapies have been documented with varying degrees of efficacy. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research on the actual causes of the disease and effective medications, as well as a lack of research on patients' experiences with HG, its treatments, and its consequences. Aim: This thesis aims to examine women's own experiences of HG, with the following research questions: How do women experience HG in their daily lives? What kind of support do they have in coping? What kind of approach do they receive from the health care system? What medical interventions were offered to them? and how effective were they perceived? Method: The thesis adopts a qualitative approach. Some prominent women's groups on Facebook were used to spread the information about the study, and 20 women in Sweden who had suffered from HG during pregnancy and had given birth no more than four years ago were interviewed individually online via Zoom. The data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method by creating sub-themes and themes through coding. Findings: The analysis revealed two themes: 'Trapped in my own body' and 'Longing for optimal HG care'. The first theme described the women's daily lives, which were significantly affected by HG. Due to severe vomiting and nausea, many of them were bedridden for long periods and unable to take care of their children or do household chores. They had significant problems with eating food, drinking water, odors, and oral hygiene. Many were unable to work, and most were on long-term sick leave. Women relied on their partners and families to cope with HG. The disease was compounded by mental health problems such as isolation, loneliness, sadness, and even depression. The second theme revealed that medications and their perceived effects were experienced differently. No drug could completely cure the disease in every case, and HG treatments were not considered optimal by any woman. Medical facilities often lacked knowledge about the disease and the drugs available, and there were no functioning care plans. Lack of knowledge meant that most women in the early stages of pregnancy were not taken seriously by the health system, and it took a long time for many of them to receive appropriate treatment. Conclusion: HG was perceived by women as a severe disease that caused significant physical and psychological obstacles in life and made women feel imprisoned in their bodies. Their most considerable support in coping with this illness was their partners and family. Despite these severe problems, most received inadequate care at health facilities mainly due to ignorance of the disease. This study has highlighted a great need for clear organizational structures, a working care plan, and more knowledge of HG in all health departments. Evidence-based national and local guidelines are needed to improve the availability and quality of health care. Based on the women’s experiences, the findings of this study may provide essential insights for implementing such guidelines in clinical practice.