Hyperemesis Gravidarum is NOT Caused by a Partner
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a hormonal and physiological condition of pregnancy with well-established biological causes—it is not caused by a partner or any interpersonal relationship factors. 1, 2
Established Biological Causes
The condition has clear hormonal and physiological origins:
- Elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is consistently elevated in hyperemesis gravidarum and represents one of the primary hormonal associations 2
- Elevated estrogen (estradiol) levels are significantly higher in women with hyperemesis gravidarum compared to normal pregnancy 2
- Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) shows higher levels in maternal blood and correlates directly with vomiting severity 1, 2
- Progesterone causes delayed gastric emptying and inhibits GI motility, contributing to nausea and vomiting (though this is present in all pregnancies, not specific to hyperemesis) 1, 2
Risk Factors Are Medical, Not Relational
The documented risk factors for hyperemesis gravidarum are entirely biological and medical 1, 3:
- Prior history of hyperemesis gravidarum in previous pregnancies (40-92% recurrence risk) 3
- Hyperthyroid disorders (hCG has thyroid-stimulating activity) 1, 2
- Molar pregnancy (extremely high hCG levels) 1, 2
- Multiple gestations (elevated hCG and estrogen) 1, 2
- Female fetuses (higher estrogen production) 2
- Pre-existing medical conditions including diabetes mellitus and asthma 1, 3
- Psychiatric illness (as a pre-existing vulnerability, not a cause) 1
What Partners CAN Do: Provide Support
While partners do not cause hyperemesis gravidarum, they play a critical role in supportive care 3:
- Help identify and eliminate food triggers with strong odors 1
- Assist with dietary modifications (small, frequent, bland meals; BRAT diet; high-protein, low-fat meals) 1, 3
- Recognize signs of dehydration requiring medical attention (orthostatic hypotension, decreased skin turgor, dry mucus membranes) 1
- Support adherence to antiemetic medications and vitamin supplementation 3
- Facilitate access to multidisciplinary care when needed (obstetricians, gastroenterologists, nutritionists, mental health professionals) 1, 3
Psychological Impact Requires Professional Support
Mental health professionals can help manage anxiety, depression, and emotional challenges associated with hyperemesis gravidarum—but these are consequences of the severe physical illness, not causes 1, 3. The condition affects 0.3-2% of pregnancies and can lead to weight loss >5% of pre-pregnancy weight, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances 1, 3.