“Deprived of my autonomy.” Women’s experiences and self-concepts of Hyperemesis Gravidarum − A qualitative study

Objective

Hyperemesis Gravidarum affects women’s health on a physical, psychological, and socioeconomic level, and they express a need for acknowledgement from family and healthcare providers. Historically associated with hysteria, Hyperemesis Gravidarum may still be stigmatised due to lingering perceptions of it as a psychological issue. To enhance understanding of the disease’s impact on women’s health, this study aimed to explore women’s experiences and self-concepts of Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a social media platform with the following criteria: i) women in Sweden with Hyperemesis Gravidarum who debuted before week 22 of pregnancy, ii) who gave birth within the last four years, and iii) who received intravenous fluid therapy during their illness. Data were gathered through 15 digital, individual, semi-structured, in-depth interviews and were analysed with Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Results

The mean age of participants was 32. The majority experienced HG within 12–36 months before the interview and were living with a partner. The overarching theme, “Deprived of my Autonomy”, depicts the woman’s transition from being responsible, reliable and hard-working to becoming a woman who perceived herself as disempowered, unprioritised and dependent.

Conclusion

The women experienced a new perception of themselves as unable to meet their own and others’ expectations in managing pregnancy, family, and work and as individuals disbelieved by the healthcare system. Healthcare professionals’ neglectful attitudes may contribute to self-stigma with isolation, and low social support as a result. Healthcare professionals must recognise the impact of dismissive behaviour and implement validating and empowering support structures.