Persistent intractable vomiting, usually beginning in early pregnancy, leading to weight loss and dehydration. This condition is uncommon and is associated with obesity and carrying twins. Hospitalization may be necessary to restore normal metabolic balance and prevent serious liver damage. Administration of intravenous fluids to the mother may be required to correct dehydration. There is no clear cause of this disorder, and psychological factors can play a role, particularly when the pregnancy is unwanted.
A rare condition (less than 0-2 per cent) of pregnancy, in which there is severe vomiting. If untreated it can result in severe dehydration, ketoacidosis (an excess of ketone acids) and liver damage. More common in multiple pregnancy, it may recur in subsequent pregnancies.
Persistent, continuous, severe, pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by dry retching. The condition can cause systemic effects such as dehydration, weight loss, fluidlectrolyte and acid base imbalance leading to metabolic acidosis, and rarely, death. About 2 out of 1000 pregnant women require hospitalization for medical management of the disorder.
The clinical designation for persistent and uncontrollable nausea and vomiting linked to pregnancy is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition affects approximately 0.5% of pregnant women.
Severe morning sickness during pregnancy can sometimes require hospital treatment. In extreme cases, it has been so intense and risky that the pregnancy needed to be ended.