Persistent vomiting or prolonged nausea
(unable to keep food or liquids down)
Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) spans from mild morning sickness to a severe, debilitating condition known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).
While morning sickness is common and usually resolves by the second trimester, HG involves relentless nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss that significantly impacts daily life.
A relentless cycle of symptoms, HG profoundly affects every aspect of life, including work, relationships, and family planning.
It is a leading cause of hospitalization in early pregnancy and significantly raises the risks for both
mother and baby.
For up to 10.8% of pregnant women,
HG poses serious risks to both mother and baby.
Though HG is officially diagnosed in 1-3% of pregnancies, research suggests the condition is far more common, with severe vomiting affecting up to 16% of pregnant women.
The leading cause of hospitalization in early pregnancy, HG is the second most common cause of hospitalization during pregnancy overall, after preterm labor.
As well as including post-partum depression and anxiety, the long-term psychological impact of HG also causes more than three-quarters of families to reconsider plans for future pregnancies, with 35% limiting family size due to fears of HG recurrence.
These physical and emotional consequences of HG, which can require multiple ER visits or inpatient hospitalization make early intervention essential.
The lack of standardized diagnostic criteria often delays treatment, leaving many patients suffering unnecessarily.
Tools such as the HELP Score exist to assess HG severity but are often
underutilized, resulting in delayed or inconsistent treatment.
Emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and lost productivity burden families, providers, and the healthcare system. A comprehensive, early-intervention approach could dramatically reduce these costs.
Most treatment protocols rely on a “wait-and-escalate” model:
Initial approach: Conservative measures like lifestyle changes and anti-nausea medications are suggested first, even in cases of severe symptoms.
Progression: Medical interventions, such as IV fluids or antiemetics, are only introduced after symptoms have significantly worsened.
This approach delays care, often leading to frequent ER visits and hospitalizations.
Three independent genetic variants of GDF15, a hormone that influences appetite, taste and vomiting, have been linked to the risk of HG.
Variations in the GDF15 and PGR genes strongly increase the risk of developing HG.
Elevated levels of pregnancy hormones, such as hCG, may contribute to the severity of nausea and vomiting.
Additionally, causes may vary between patients depending on biological make-up (genetics), body chemistry, fetal gender, and overall health.
Based on proven care models, Harmonia’s proactive, early intervention addresses patients’
symptoms as soon as they arise, aiding providers, and improving outcomes for mothers and babies
Conducted by IPSOS/Harmonia Healthcare Abstract: This research was conducted to establish current awareness levels of: Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), and Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP); HG treatment centers; treatment options
Pregnancy can bring its share of challenges. For many women, pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, or “morning sickness,” is simply a part of the ride. Around 9 in 10 women experience
Source: by RAE NUDSON July 10, 2024 Hyperemesis gravidarum, or HG, is a debilitating pregnancy nausea that affects 2% of pregnancies. Researchers know how to cure it — if they
Our skilled team is here to offer you the compassionate care you deserve. Whether in-clinic or via telehealth, Harmonia Healthcare is dedicated to helping you feel stronger every step of your pregnancy journey.
We work hand-in-hand with your regular healthcare provider to ensure you’re getting the best care possible and keep them updated on the treatments you’re receiving, so they can continue to monitor the overall health of you and your baby.
No Referral Needed