A harrowing personal account of extreme pregnancy sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, has been highlighted as one of the standout audio pieces of 2025. The feature, originally published in July, challenges the minimising term 'morning sickness' and delves into the brutal physical and psychological toll of the condition.
A Torture Beyond Nausea
The podcast, part of a series revisiting the year's best audio long reads throughout December, features an introduction from editors explaining its selection. It presents the story of a woman who described feeling as if death was coming for her during the worst episodes of her pregnancy. This echoes the Victorian-era diagnosis of 'pernicious vomiting of pregnancy', a term that starkly captures its dangerous nature.
Despite medical advances, the piece argues that modern healthcare has often failed to end the torture of hyperemesis gravidarum for countless sufferers. The condition involves relentless nausea and vomiting that can lead to severe dehydration, weight loss, and hospitalisation, profoundly impacting both physical and mental wellbeing.
New Hope on the Horizon?
However, the narrative is not without hope. The central thrust of the piece explores the promising developments that suggest an end to this suffering might finally be in sight. It signals a potential turning point in the treatment and understanding of this debilitating illness, which has been historically under-researched and often dismissed.
The audio long read is written by Abi Stephenson and narrated by Nicolette Chin. A text version of the story remains available for those who prefer to read, and the piece is supported by an illustration from Claudine O'Sullivan.
The feature underscores the critical importance of continuing to support in-depth journalism on issues of maternal health and mortality. It places hyperemesis gravidarum within the broader contexts of health, family, parenting, and maternity rights, advocating for greater awareness and improved care for pregnant people across the UK and beyond.
