What are the costs associated with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum? A systematic review

Abstract Background Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) and its more severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) are common and debilitating causes of maternal morbidity. However, evidence regarding the economic burden is limited. Aim To identify studies focusing on the costs associated with NVP and...

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Main Authors: Antonia Gazal, Vanessa Scarf, Caitlin Kay-Smith, Beata Gidaszewski, Seng Chua, Kate Levett
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-08-01
Series:BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07921-5
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author Antonia Gazal
Vanessa Scarf
Caitlin Kay-Smith
Beata Gidaszewski
Seng Chua
Kate Levett
author_facet Antonia Gazal
Vanessa Scarf
Caitlin Kay-Smith
Beata Gidaszewski
Seng Chua
Kate Levett
author_sort Antonia Gazal
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) and its more severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) are common and debilitating causes of maternal morbidity. However, evidence regarding the economic burden is limited. Aim To identify studies focusing on the costs associated with NVP and HG, to estimate the economic burden of NVP and HG. Methods A literature search was conducted in 2023 using five electronic databases. Articles were appraised using both the Larg and Moss checklist and the CASP tool for Economic Analyses. Included studies reported the cost of illness, economic burden, or health care expenditures related to NVP and/or HG. A narrative synthesis was performed. Costs were adjusted for inflation and currency differences, presented in 2023 US dollars ($USD). Results Seven studies were included from 652 studies identified. The studies were methodologically and clinically heterogenous and lacked consistent reported outcome measures. All identified a significant economic burden of NVP and HG, including substantial annual and direct per patient costs, as well as indirect costs to the patient. Costs increased with severity of disease, and outpatient or day stay units were more cost-effective models of care including via reduction of disease severity. Conclusions Our findings indicate the significant economic burden associated with NVP and HG. Original studies differed in methodology and outcomes measured; however substantial cost savings were demonstrated through targeted models of care. As there is little information about the economic burden of HG and NVP, further studies are required, with agreed outcome data, to inform policy and practice.
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spelling doaj-art-db66b55dc89e44d1a3a07f40181c021b2025-08-20T03:43:34ZengBMCBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth1471-23932025-08-012511910.1186/s12884-025-07921-5What are the costs associated with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum? A systematic reviewAntonia Gazal0Vanessa Scarf1Caitlin Kay-Smith2Beata Gidaszewski3Seng Chua4Kate Levett5South Eastern Sydney Area Health DistrictCollective for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, University of Technology SydneyHyperemesis AustraliaWestern Sydney Area Health Service, Westmead HospitalWestern Sydney Area Health Service, Westmead HospitalNational School of Medicine, The University of Notre DameAbstract Background Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) and its more severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) are common and debilitating causes of maternal morbidity. However, evidence regarding the economic burden is limited. Aim To identify studies focusing on the costs associated with NVP and HG, to estimate the economic burden of NVP and HG. Methods A literature search was conducted in 2023 using five electronic databases. Articles were appraised using both the Larg and Moss checklist and the CASP tool for Economic Analyses. Included studies reported the cost of illness, economic burden, or health care expenditures related to NVP and/or HG. A narrative synthesis was performed. Costs were adjusted for inflation and currency differences, presented in 2023 US dollars ($USD). Results Seven studies were included from 652 studies identified. The studies were methodologically and clinically heterogenous and lacked consistent reported outcome measures. All identified a significant economic burden of NVP and HG, including substantial annual and direct per patient costs, as well as indirect costs to the patient. Costs increased with severity of disease, and outpatient or day stay units were more cost-effective models of care including via reduction of disease severity. Conclusions Our findings indicate the significant economic burden associated with NVP and HG. Original studies differed in methodology and outcomes measured; however substantial cost savings were demonstrated through targeted models of care. As there is little information about the economic burden of HG and NVP, further studies are required, with agreed outcome data, to inform policy and practice.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07921-5Hyperemesis gravidarumNausea in pregnancyVomiting in pregnancypregnancy complicationsmaternal health servicesCost analysis
spellingShingle Antonia Gazal
Vanessa Scarf
Caitlin Kay-Smith
Beata Gidaszewski
Seng Chua
Kate Levett
What are the costs associated with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum? A systematic review
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Nausea in pregnancy
Vomiting in pregnancy
pregnancy complications
maternal health services
Cost analysis
title What are the costs associated with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum? A systematic review
title_full What are the costs associated with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum? A systematic review
title_fullStr What are the costs associated with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum? A systematic review
title_full_unstemmed What are the costs associated with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum? A systematic review
title_short What are the costs associated with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum? A systematic review
title_sort what are the costs associated with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum a systematic review
topic Hyperemesis gravidarum
Nausea in pregnancy
Vomiting in pregnancy
pregnancy complications
maternal health services
Cost analysis
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07921-5
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