It is common for women to feel nauseated during pregnancy and vomiting is common. In fact, 80% of pregnant women report feeling nausea during pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting will usually resolve after the first 16 weeks of pregnancy for most women and is not harmful to you or your baby. Sometimes, the nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is excessive and can be harmful to your pregnancy. Excessive nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and is a common cause for hospitalization during pregnancy.
Symptoms of HG include:
- Nausea that does not go away
- Vomiting that causes dehydration (loss of water)
- Weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Decreased urine output
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
A pregnant women experiencing HG cannot keep any food or water down and it may be necessary to receive fluid through an IV at the hospital or doctor’s office. If you are experience this or have further questions about this condition, contact your prenatal care provider.