What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a disorder where pregnant women experience extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting. This isn’t the same as morning sickness because it’s more severe and lasts longer into the pregnancy.
Hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms can put a woman and her child at risk for complications like:
- Weight loss.
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth.
- Depression and mental health disorders.
- Prolonged postpartum recovery.
How to Help Someone with Hyperemesis Gravidarum
If you or someone you know experiences hyperemesis gravidarum, encourage her to work with her doctor on a treatment plan.
Medication
Nutrition
Mental Health
Physical Activity
Rest
Recovery
Building Awareness
Because hyperemesis gravidarum can begin with similar symptoms to morning sickness, it’s often undertreated. The physical and emotional impact of the condition on women and children can be lasting.
To increase treatment and reduce the impact on maternal health, Texas Health and Human Services is working to build awareness of hyperemesis gravidarum.
To learn more, read the HHS Hyperemesis Gravidarum Strategic Plan< (PDF).
Hear Her Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services developed the Hear Her Texas campaign to raise awareness of urgent maternal warning signs. To learn more, visit the Hear Her Texas webpage.
Watch this Hear Her Texas video about one woman’s experience with hyperemesis gravidarum and another condition called cholestasis of pregnancy.
What Symptoms Should I Look For?
Hyperemesis gravidarum can look different for each woman. It often starts early in the pregnancy.
During prenatal appointments, health care providers review your condition for symptoms. They look for signs of significant weight loss, recurrent ketosis (the body burning fat for energy) and frequent or severe nausea.
Health care providers also determine if nausea is:
• Keeping the mother from performing her job.
• Keeping the mother from performing simple household chores or caring for herself.
• Causing dehydration. • Causing severe fatigue.
• Putting psychological stress on the mother.
To learn more about diagnosing hyperemesis gravidarum, visit the National Library of Medicine's "Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum."
Calculate Weight Loss
Unlike morning sickness, women with hyperemesis gravidarum experience significant weight loss. Use the calculator and table below to check if weight loss is significant or severe.
Enter the usual weight and current weight, then select “calculate” to view the percent change. Compare the percent change with those listed in the table. Women with significant or severe weight loss should contact their doctor.
| Time | Significant Weight Loss (%) | Severe Weight Loss (%) |
|---|---|---|
| One Week | 1-2% | Over 2% |
| One Month | 5% | Over 5% |
| Three Months | 7.5% | Over 7.5% |
| Six Months | 10% | Over 10% |
Source: Fejzo MS, Poursharif B, Korst LM, Munch S, MacGibbon KW, Romero R, Goodwin TM. Symptoms and pregnancy outcomes associated with extreme weight loss among women with hyperemesis gravidarum. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2009 Dec. 18
“As a whole in your pregnancy, if you’re feeling that something is wrong, if you innately feel that something is not right, know that you know your body best. Go find help. Talk to somebody … You could be saving your life by finding the help that you need.”
Support for Mothers Experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Mothers who need treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum may be eligible for support through various programs in Texas.
CHIP Perinatal
CHIP Perinatal is for pregnant women who can't get Medicaid and don’t have other health insurance. It helps cover doctor visits for your pregnancy and care for your newborn. This may help with diagnosis and treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum.
For more details, visit the Medicaid for Pregnant Women and CHIP Perinatal page. If you still have questions, read CHIP Perinatal FAQsto learn more.
Medicaid For Pregnant Women
Medicaid for Pregnant Women is a health care program that helps expecting mothers with low income to get the care they need. This coverage now extends to one year postpartum and can help with treatment for issues resulting from hyperemesis gravidarum.
For more details, visit the Medicaid for Pregnant Women and CHIP Perinatal webpage
WIC Nutritional Support
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC works to improve the health of pregnant women, including those with hyperemesis gravidarum.
WIC can provide nutritious foods to supplement diets, education on nutrition and breastfeeding, and referrals for women with hyperemesis gravidarum to health care professionals.
For more details, visit the Texas WIC page.