Survivors' Experiences of Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Abstract

Hyperemesis gravidarum can result in life-threatening physical and psychological maternal morbidity, including severe dehydration, weight loss, electrolyte imbalance, depression, and suicidal ideation. The reported prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum ranges from 0.3% to 3.6%. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate what blogs can tell us about women's experiences of hyperemesis gravidarum. Thirty-three blogs written by hyperemesis gravidarum survivors posted on Hyperemesis Australia's website were analyzed using Krippendorff's qualitative content analysis method. Clustering was used and yielded 6 themes: (1) debilitating physical and mental health problems: digging deep to persevere, (2) heartbreaking choices, (3) lack of understanding and dismissed, (4) so much guilt surrounding their unborn infant, (5) it takes a village to support women with hyperemesis gravidarum, and (6) warriors and survivors: giving back. Infusion nurses are in a perfect position to provide support and compassionate care for women who are repeatedly coming to the hospital for rehydration treatment. Infusion nurses can validate women's physical and emotional struggles with hyperemesis gravidarum and help to no longer make women feel stigmatized.