Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It generally begins in the first trimester of pregnancy, at around 6 to 8 weeks of gestation, and resolves for most people by 20 weeks of gestation, although it can persist until delivery.[1] Hyperemesis gravidarum is different from morning sickness, which is a common form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that is mild to moderate in nature and occurs in about 80% of pregnancies. Conversely, hyperemesis gravidarum affects about 1% to 3% of pregnancies.[2]
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a leading cause of hospitalization during pregnancy and can result in dehydration, weight loss, electrolyte imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies.[3] It can also negatively affect psychosocial well-being, provoking feelings of depression and anxiety.[4] In very serious cases, it can adversely affect the fetus and is associated with preterm birth, low birth weight babies, and small for gestational age babies.[5]
References
- ^Boelig RC, Barton SJ, Saccone G, Kelly AJ, Edwards SJ, Berghella VInterventions for treating hyperemesis gravidarum: a Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis.J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med.(2018-Sep)
- ^Matthews A, Haas DM, O'Mathúna DP, Dowswell TInterventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancyCochrane Database Syst Rev.(2015 Sep 8)
- ^London V, Grube S, Sherer DM, Abulafia OHyperemesis Gravidarum: A Review of Recent LiteraturePharmacology.(2017)
- ^Poursharif B, Korst LM, Fejzo MS, MacGibbon KW, Romero R, Goodwin TMThe psychosocial burden of hyperemesis gravidarum.J Perinatol.(2008-Mar)
- ^Veenendaal MV, van Abeelen AF, Painter RC, van der Post JA, Roseboom TJConsequences of hyperemesis gravidarum for offspring: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BJOG.(2011-Oct)