Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease marked by rapid weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration due to unrelenting nausea and/or vomiting with potential adverse consequences for the mom-to-be and the newborn(s).

If severe and/or inadequately treated, it is typically associated with:

·         loss of greater than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight (usually over 10%)

·         dehydration and production of ketones

·         nutritional deficiencies

·         metabolic imbalances

·         difficulty with daily activities

HG usually extends beyond the first trimester and may resolve by 21 weeks; however, it can last the entire pregnancy in less than half of these women. Complications of vomiting (e.g. gastric ulcers, esophageal bleeding, malnutrition, etc.) may also contribute to and worsen ongoing nausea.