Research on HG's short- and long-term effects is desperately needed and needed now. We need to do more to find a cure for this disease that has such devastating effects on a growing number of soon-to-be mothers.

Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA)

HG forces women to make difficult decisions... the H.E.R. web site is the most comprehensice location to educatte oneself to make the best decisions.

Marlena S. Fejzo, PhD USA

HG is a devastating illness and yet so little research has been undertaken into causes and therapies.

Dr. Matthes Seeling, MD

HG is a termendously debilitating disease that can have life long consequences. This Web site will provide much needed support to mothers suffering from this disease.

TM Goodwin, MD USA

HG has a devastating personal and family impact and effective management is most important.

Ron Taylor, MD UK

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Understanding Hyperemesis

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Complications

Although numerous depending on one's individual biochemistry, severity of symptoms, and the medical interventions given, many potential complications may result from HG. With an aggressive and proactive approach to treatment, many sequelae can be avoided. If care is inadequate, ineffective, or delayed, cases of morning sickness or mild HG may progress to moderate or severe HG. Women suffer greatly with HG, and effective intervention early in pregnancy can greatly ease the misery and stress associated with this disease.

Long term complications (often with vague, chronic symptomology) will likely occur without proper intervention in the early stages. Fortunately, there are usually few immediate, adverse effects of HG on the baby unless weight gain continues to be poor during the second half of pregnancy, or symptoms are severe and prolonged. Acute or chronic complications reported by women to the HER Foundation include gall bladder disease, tempero-mandibular joint disorders, depression, anxiety, difficulty with weight management, diabetes, motion sickness, and dental caries. Some just say they never have felt the same as before they were pregnant. Women with prolonged HG are also at greater risk for preterm labor, and pre-eclampsia.

Emerging research is showing the possibility of potential future health risks to the infant if the mother is malnourished during pregnancy. This should strongly be considered when caring for women with HG, as the care provided affects not only the mother, but also the child for decades to come.

Signs of Severe HG:

Debilitating, chronic nausea
Frequent vomiting of bile or blood
Chronic ketosis and dehydration
Muscle weakness and extreme fatigue
Medication does not stop vomiting/nausea
Inability to care for self (shower, prepare food)
Loss of over 5-10% of your pre-pregnancy weight
Weight loss (or little gain) after the first trimester
Inability to eat/drink sufficiently by about 14 weeks

Updated on: Mar. 24, 2010