Research discovers how women suffering from severe morning sickness (hyperemesis) feel up to six months after giving birth.

Women with severe morning sickness, like that suffered by the Duchess of Cambridge, can suffer emotional distress for up to six months after pregnancy, a study suggests.

Hyperemesis gravidarum affects 15,000 women a year.

Normal morning sickness affects about 70 per cent of pregnant woman, and causes some vomiting and discomfort, usually passing after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

But those suffering from HG can be constantly sick – morning, noon and night – and unable to keep any food or drink down.

Affecting up to one pregnancy in 33, it can last for the entire pregnancy, although symptoms usually lessen after five months.

A new study, published in Archives of Women’s Mental Health, suggests the emotional impact of suffering with the problem lasts for months, shared Daily Mail.

The authors wrote: ‘Women with HG were more likely to report emotional distress compared to women without HG during pregnancy and six months postpartum, but the difference between the groups disappeared 18 months after birth.

‘The results suggest that the increased risk of developing emotional distress may primarily be a consequence of HG.’

Caitlin Dean, chair of the Pregnancy Sickness Support charity, said: ‘Care and treatment options for HG have improved massively in the last few years and research into the condition is finally attracting attention and tentative funding.

‘Research to be presented today demonstrates the mental health effect of this condition can be profound and doesn’t always end when the baby is born but can persist for years after.’

If you are suffering please speak to your doctor or midwife to discuss a treatment plan.

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