Pregnancy nausea is a common symptom and it’s usually called morning sickness. But when is it something more serious? An “hg pregnancy” refers to hyperemesis gravidarum, a pregnancy complication characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. This condition is more intense than typical morning sickness. The difference between morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum (often just called “hyperemesis”) mainly comes down to severity and impact, but it can have an impact — on both mother and baby. It’s rare, but your doctor can help.
What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness is extremely common in that it affects up to 70–80% of pregnancies. It usually starts at around 4–6 weeks and eases by about 12–14 weeks. The symptoms are mild to moderate nausea, sometimes with occasional vomiting. It may be uncomfortable, but most people can still eat, drink, and maintain hydration.
Most expectant parents treat it at home with diet adjustments (small frequent meals, ginger, vitamin B6). If needed, you can speak to your doctor about safe nausea medicine for pregnancy.
What is hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)?
An HG pregnancy, on the other hand, is rare but serious. It only affects about 0.5–2% of pregnancies but the symptoms start early (often before 9 weeks) and may last much longer — sometimes they even last the entire pregnancy. The exact cause of hyperemesis isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to hormonal changes, particularly the rapid increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and estrogen levels.
In the case of hyperemesis, the nausea is more severe and constant. There is also usually more vomiting and that can lead to problems like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies. If it’s not treated, this can turn into a hospitalization and ultimately affect the health of both the mother and the baby.
| Symptom | Morning Sickness | Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Common | Rare |
| Severity | Mild–moderate | Severe, continuous |
| Vomiting | Occasional | Frequent, uncontrollable |
| Weight loss | Minimal | >5% body weight |
| Hydration status | Normal | Often dehydrated |
| Treatment | Home remedies | Medical intervention |
Who is at risk for HG pregnancy?
Although the cause of hyperemesis isn’t always clear, some people may have a higher likelihood of developing HG. Suspected risk factors can include:
- HG in a prior pregnancy
- Having multiples (twins, triplets)
- A first-time pregnancy
- Family history of severe morning sickness
- A history of motion sickness or migraine headaches
- Having gestational trophoblastic disease (abnormal cell growth in the uterus)
When should you see a doctor?
You should make an appointment with your doctor if nausea and vomiting during pregnancy go beyond mild morning sickness. Most of the time, symptoms will improve as your pregnancy progresses and your body continues to adjust. But it’s important for your health and the health of your growing baby that you’re able to rest, eat, and function.
Some symptoms can become more urgent and require additional treatment. Here are some signs and symptoms to help guide you.
Schedule an office appointment if you:
- Feel constantly nauseated throughout the day.
- Are losing weight slowly even with small meals.
- Notice your urine is darker than usual.
- Are unable to function normally due to symptoms (e.g., can’t work or sleep properly).
Seek urgent medical care if you:
- Have persistent vomiting and are unable to keep food or fluids down for 24 hours or more.
- Show signs of dehydration such as dark or infrequent urination, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth.
- Experience weight loss more than 5% of your pre-pregnancy weight.
- Vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
- Feel severe fatigue, weakness, or confusion.
- Have abdominal pain or fever (these are not normal with typical morning sickness).
- Feel no improvement after trying standard home remedies.
How is HG treated?
The treatment for HG depends on the severity of symptoms. It’s essential to work with a healthcare provider to address these issues safely. Due to the potential complications associated with HG, your pregnancy may be classified as high risk. This is a standard precautionary measure so don’t let it add to your stress too much, and rest assured that with the proper care these symptoms will get better and people that receive treatment for HG typically deliver healthy babies.
Asking expecting moms not to worry isn’t exactly realistic, however. And research suggests that women experiencing HG are at a higher risk of developing prenatal depression due to the severity of their symptoms, prolonged suffering, and feelings of isolation. But you are not alone and there are resources to help. You can always speak to your doctor about your concerns, and there’s a National Maternal Mental Health Hotline available via phone call or text at (833) TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for 24/7 free confidential support.
MFM Specialists for Symptoms and Safety
If you suspect you’re experiencing hyperemesis, early treatment can prevent complications like dehydration, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalance. Doctors can also prescribe safe anti-nausea medications for pregnancy, IV fluids, or even temporary nutritional support if needed. Nemours offers expert perinatal care with a team of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists who can help with HG pregnancy symptom management, or any type of high-risk pregnancy that requires special care.
For more information about your pregnancy, visit Nemours KidsHealth®
