Study Reveals Link Between Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Depression

A recent study from the University of Turku in Finland has unveiled a significant connection between hyperemesis gravidarum and depression in pregnant women. The research indicates that women suffering from this severe form of pregnancy nausea are at a heightened risk of experiencing depression both prior to and following their pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum, which affects between 0.3 to 3.6 percent of all pregnancies, is characterized by extreme nausea and vomiting, which can severely hinder a woman’s ability to eat and drink normally.

The study, part of a larger project led by Professor Päivi Polo, analyzed data from over 437,000 Finnish women between 2004 and 2017. Findings revealed that 8.8 percent of women who experienced severe nausea during pregnancy had a history of depression before pregnancy, compared to just 1.0 percent in a control group. This indicates that these women were more than five times as likely to have experienced depression beforehand.

In addition to the pre-existing conditions, the study found that women with hyperemesis gravidarum were approximately 3.5 times more likely to develop new, previously undiagnosed depression after childbirth. Specifically, 4.9 percent of this group received a diagnosis of new-onset depression post-delivery, contrasting with the 1.0 percent rate in the control group. The research also highlighted that women suffering from severe nausea saw their depression diagnosed significantly earlier, with an average of 3.3 years after delivery, compared to 4.5 years for their counterparts.

The implications of these findings point to potential shared biological mechanisms underlying both conditions, suggesting that the psychosocial burdens of severe nausea may contribute to mental health challenges. As highlighted by Doctoral Researcher Eeva Terävä-Utti, “Our research shows that severe nausea in pregnancy is not only a physically stressful condition but also a significant mental health risk factor.”

The results emphasize the necessity for systematic psychiatric screening during and after pregnancy, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach involving professionals from psychiatry, gynecology, and primary care. The study aims to raise awareness and improve access to support for affected individuals.

Published in the esteemed journal The Lancet Psychiatry in November 2025, this research marks a critical step in understanding the complex interplay between physical and mental health during pregnancy. The article can be accessed through the journal’s website for those interested in a more in-depth examination of the findings: The Lancet Psychiatry.