Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) has a detrimental effect on physical and mental health. Termination of pregnancy (TOP) is reported in approximately 10%, 1 and qualitative research studies report an association with suicidal ideation. 2 We aimed to determine the consequences of HG on TOP and suicidal ideation, with particular reference to disease severity, functional status, and perception of care.
STUDY DESIGN:This national cross-sectional study utilized a 14-item anonymous online survey distributed across the United Kingdom, incorporating demographic details, self-reported disease severity, consequence on functional status, mental health, details of the care experience, and opportunity for open box feedback.
Pregnant women with covid-19 are at greater risk of severe disease than their non-pregnant peers, and yet they are frequently denied investigations or treatments because of unfounded concerns about risk to the fetus. The basic principles of diagnosing and managing covid-19 are the same as for non-pregnant patients, and a multidisciplinary, expert team approach is essential to ensure optimal care. During pregnancy, treatment with corticosteroids should be modified to use non-fluorinated glucocorticoids. Il-6 inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, together with specific antiviral therapies, may also be considered. Prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism is important. Women may require respiratory support with oxygen, non-invasive ventilation, ventilation in a prone position (either awake or during invasive ventilation), intubation and ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Pregnancy is not a contraindication for any of these supportive therapies, and the criteria for providing them are the same as in the general population. Decisions regarding timing, place, and mode of delivery should be taken with a multidisciplinary team including obstetricians, physicians, anesthetists, and intensivists experienced in the care of covid-19 in pregnancy. Ideally these decisions should take place in consultation with centers that have experience and expertise in all these specialties.
Pregnant women with COVID-19 are less likely to be symptomatic than non-pregnant counterparts. Risk factors for severe disease include being overweight or obese, greater than 35 years old, and having pre-existing comorbidities. Those who develop severe disease have increased rates of admission to an intensive care unit, requiring invasive ventilation and pre-term birth.Pregnant and breastfeeding women with COVID-19 should be investigated as of outside pregnancy and should receive proven therapies (such as corticosteroids and tocilizumab) on a risk/benefit basis. Admitted women should receive multidisciplinary care with input from senior decision makers and early escalation where required. There are no safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination and fertility or pregnancy, and so it should be offered to women based on their age and clinical risk group, in line with non-pregnant women.
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