Feeling sick and/or vomiting during pregnancy is common and as many as 80% of pregnant women experience some form of it. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea that affects approximately 0.5-2% of all pregnant women.

Symptoms often start between weeks four and seven of pregnancy and are often most intense around week nine. Nausea usually subsides for the vast majority (around 90%) after 16-20 weeks of pregnancy. For around 10%, nausea persists and may even come and go during the second half of pregnancy.

Hyperemesis (hyperemesis gravidarum) is not a common pregnancy nausea but a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that starts early and affects 0.5-2% of all pregnant women. Hyperemesis affects the general condition, leading to weight loss, dehydration and disturbances in salt balance and energy metabolism.

About 3.6% of people with hyperemesis need to be hospitalized for treatment, making it the most common reason for hospitalization in early pregnancy. It is common for people with hyperemesis to vomit many times a day, but symptoms are highly individual.

Hyperemesis gravidarum - why does it happen?

The cause of hyperemesis is not fully understood and is likely to depend on several factors. Research shows that if you have a mother, aunt, sister or grandmother who has had hyperemesis, you are more likely to be affected. Hyperemesis is more common if you are expecting more than one child, which is why researchers believe there may be a hormonal link. Research also shows that you may be at increased risk if you otherwise suffer from motion sickness, migraines or nausea during hormonal contraception. Research thus points to some genetic cause of hyperemesis, but it's not yet known why it doesn't cause disease in everyone. If you have hyperemesis once, it is common to have it again in any subsequent pregnancy(s).

If you are suffering from severe hyperemesis, it can be extremely psychologically stressful, resulting in anxiety and depression. It is therefore important that you seek help and support from the healthcare services available during your pregnancy. Tell your midwife if you suffer from abnormal vomiting. You can then get help in the form of anti-nausea medication and dietitian help to optimize your nutritional intake, as well as advice on what might be easiest to eat if you are nauseous. You can also get counseling if you need it, either from your midwife or psychologist/counselor. If you are vomiting so much that your general condition is affected, you should go to the emergency room. You may also be given help with nutrition via an IV and sometimes you may need to stay in hospital until you get better.

What is the treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum?

Hyperemesis is abnormal nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that affects the general condition. Stand up and get help - it's important that you get the care and support you need. You can get help with:

- Medication for nausea
- Dietician consultation
- Conversational support
- Support from your midwife
- Emergency care if your general condition is affected

When should you take sick leave for pregnant nausea?

If you feel so bad that you experience both mental and physical impairment as a result of your nausea, you may be placed on sick leave. This usually happens when the nausea restricts you to such an extent that you are unable to perform your duties, for example due to difficulty concentrating, low blood pressure, depression or dehydration. If you think you need to take sick leave because of your pregnant nausea, you should talk to your employer to discuss adjustments to your duties and working hours.

Here you can read about GBS during pregnancy.