Article Details

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a pregnancy complication that causes severe nausea and vomiting that lasts for more than a few days:

Symptoms
HG can cause:

Weight loss

Dehydration

Excessive salivation

Fatigue

Weakness

Dizziness

Sleep disturbance

Hyperolfaction

Dysgeusia

Decreased concentration
When it occurs

HG usually starts early in pregnancy, before 16 weeks. For most women, it stops between 13 to 20 weeks, but some women have it their entire pregnancy.
How it affects women

HG can have a big impact on women's emotional, mental, and physical health. Women may be so sick they can't go to work, care for themselves, or participate in normal daily activities.
Treatment
HG requires medical treatment, usually in a hospital. Treatments include:

Pharmacologic treatments, such as antihistamines, promethazine, and meclizine

Vitamins

Herbal medications

Surgery
Outlook

Symptoms of HG will disappear after giving birth. Treating HG during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of complications for you and the baby.