Exploring the postpartum recovery after hyperemesis gravidarum: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION

Hyperemesis Gravidarum affects 0.3-3.6% of women during pregnancy and has a significant impact on maternal health. Investigation of both the immediate and longer-term effects remains a high research priority. However, there is limited research on postpartum recovery after hyperemesis gravidarum.

AIM: To explore the postpartum recovery experiences of women who had hyperemesis gravidarum.

METHODS

A large descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews to explore the postpartum experiences of women who had hyperemesis gravidarum within the previous 5 years in Ireland. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-one women participated, and four themes were identified: (1) Nutritional and physical recovery of the body, describing challenges to recovery following HG (2); Infant feeding decisions influenced by recovery, highlighting how physical depletion impacted infant feeding choices (3); Recovery overlooked in postpartum care, reflecting limited follow-up and predominantly infant-focused postpartum care and (4); Negotiating social expectations with interpersonal support, showing how social expectations and relationships influenced recovery.

DISCUSSION: This study showed that recovery after hyperemesis gravidarum is multifaceted, impacted not only by ongoing physical health consequences but also by participant-identified gaps in postpartum care and by varied interpersonal support.

CONCLUSION

Hyperemesis gravidarum leaves a postpartum legacy. Proactive postpartum follow-up, postpartum guidelines and information resources for women and their families are needed to support recovery after HG.