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.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms such as changes in taste or smell, nausea and vomiting usually begin around week 4-6 and peak between 9-13 weeks. Onset of symptoms may occur before the pregnancy is confirmed by an elevation in hCG level (positive pregnancy test).
If onset is later than the first trimester, it is more likely due to liver or gall bladder dysfunction, or the physical changes of pregnancy, and thus is not considered HG.
Typically, there is resolution or at least significant improvement somewhere around 14-20 weeks, however, some women (10-20% or more) continue to require significant care for their entire pregnancy. Our Severity of Weightloss Calculator helps mothers calculate their percentage of weightloss.
HG often recurs and follows similar patterns in future pregnancies, though severity may vary each time.
- Anemia
- Body odor (from rapid fat loss & ketosis)
- Confusion
- Decreased urination
- Dehydration
- Dry, furry tongue
- Excessive salivation
- Extreme fatigue
- Fainting or dizziness
- Food aversions
- Gall bladder dysfunction
- Headache
- Hypersensitive gag reflex
- Increased sense of smell
- Intolerance to motion/noise/light
- Jaundice
- Ketosis
- Liver enzyme elevation
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Low blood pressure
- Overactive thyroid or parathyroid
- Pale, waxy, dry skin
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid weight loss of 5% or more (from pre-pregnancy weight)
- Secondary anxiety/depression
- Vitamin/electrolyte deficiency
- Vomiting of mucus, bile or blood
Updated on: Mar. 24, 2010
Beyond Morning Sickness 
The Proving Grounds