Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: Effects on quality of life and day-to-day function

AIMS To investigate the effect of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) on quality of life (QoL) and activities of daily living/socioeconomic function in a contemporary Australian setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS Observational, single centre prospective cohort study using validated survey instruments in pregnant women at 9-16 weeks gestation at a tertiary metropolitan women's hospital in Sydney, Australia. QoL measured by the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) was compared between those with and without NVP. NVP severity scores were correlated with QoL scores, work patterns and medication use. RESULTS Of 116 participants, 72% had NVP, with no baseline (including mental health) differences between women with or without NVP. As classified by modified Pregnancy-Unique-Quantified-Emesis (PUQE) survey, 42% had mild symptoms, 55% moderate and 1% severe. SF-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores were significantly lower for those with NVP (P