What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was recently hospitalized with a severe type of morning sickness. It’s called hyperemesis gravidarum. This form affects only 1 or 2 of every 100 pregnant women. Many pregnant women become nauseous and may vomit during the first trimester. But women with hyperemesis gravidarum have severe nausea and frequent vomiting. They become dehydrated. Their blood levels of sodium and potassium are off balance. This can endanger the woman’s health. It also can lead to pregnancy problems, such as a low birth weight baby or a baby born prematurely. For the pregnant woman, treatment often includes hospitalization. There, she is given intravenous fluids and medication to reduce nausea.