Hyperemesis Gravidarum refers to an extreme form of morning sickness in which the pregnant woman experiences severe vomiting, as well as the typical nausea. In fact, Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a condition in which the woman vomits so much that she is unable to keep anything, or much of anything, in her stomach. If it is not treated, Hyperemesis Gravidarum can be dangerous to your baby, as well as to your own health.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum can lead to dehydration in the mother. This is dangerous to your baby as well, in that your baby needs all the fluids that he can get to grow and develop. Perhaps more importantly that dehydration, however, is the risk that the woman who is experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum will have a nutritional deficiency. When this occurs, her baby will also have a nutritional deficiency. Not getting enough of certain nutrients, such as folic acid, can create serious risks for your baby. Not getting enough folic acid because of Hyperemesis Gravidarum may be dangerous because it can increase your baby’s risk of having neural tube birth defects by as much as 50%. In addition to all of this, the baby of a woman with Hyperemesis Gravidarum is at an increased risk of being born prematurely, or of having a low birth weight. There is also some evidence that untreated Hyperemesis Gravidarum may even lead to certain skin malformations, as well as an increased risk of testicular cancer for male children later in life.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum can, of course, be dangerous to you as well. You may experience weight loss at a time when you should be gaining. You may have an acid base imbalance. You might even experience kidney damage or liver damage. In fact, if it goes untreated, Hyperemesis Gravidarum can lead to hypoglycemia, malnutrition, renal failure, atrophy, and a whole host of other ailments and problems.

If you are pregnant and have had severe vomiting that has lasted for more than a day or so, you should contact your health care provider immediately.

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