What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
For a minority of pregnant women (up to 2 in 100 pregnant women), the sickness and vomiting is prolonged and very severe and causes them to become dehydrated (low in body fluid) and to lose weight. They may also develop vitamin deficiencies. Because they are not able to eat, the pregnant woman can develop signs of starvation. This is shown by looking for the presence of substances called ‘ketones’ in the urine (using a simple test on a sample of urine). Ketones are produced if your body is forced to break down fat for energy if you are vomiting and are unable to keep food down. This severe sickness and vomiting is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. These women often need to be admitted to hospital for intravenous fluids and other treatment.
