Hyperemesis gravidarum

Some pregnant women experience severe nausea and vomiting. This condition – known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) – isn't common but can require hospital treatment. If you're being sick all the time and can't keep food or fluids down, tell your midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

Symptoms include:

• prolonged and severe nausea and vomiting
• dehydration
• weight loss
• low blood pressure (hypotension) when standing up.

These symptoms can have a significant effect on your life and may lead to further complications, such as depression. Because HG can cause dehydration, there is also an increased risk of getting a blood clot in a vein, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

HG is unlikely to harm your baby but if it causes weight loss during pregnancy, there is an increased risk that your baby may be born smaller than expected.