Managing Severe Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Pregnancy often comes with mild discomforts such as swelling, constipation, heartburn and the dreaded “morning sickness.” While up to 80% of pregnant women experience some nausea and vomiting, a smaller group develops a much more serious condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is marked by severe nausea and vomiting that goes far beyond typical morning sickness and may require medical treatment or hospitalization.

What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

When a woman experiences persistent vomiting, weight loss and abnormal electrolyte levels, she may be dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum.

• Mild cases may be managed with dietary changes and medications
• Severe cases often require hospitalization for IV fluids and monitoring

If you believe your symptoms may be more severe than normal morning sickness, it’s important to contact your obstetrician right away.

Morning Sickness vs. Hyperemesis Gravidarum

While there is no known single cause of hyperemesis gravidarum, it is believed to be related to rising pregnancy hormone levels. Distinguishing between typical nausea and a more serious condition is essential.

Key Characteristics of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by:

• Nausea with severe, frequent vomiting (not occasional vomiting)
• Vomiting that leads to severe dehydration
• Inability to keep food or fluids down

Additional Symptoms May Include

• Weight loss
• Decreased urination
• Headaches
• Fainting
• Confusion

Why Hyperemesis Gravidarum Is Considered High Risk

A diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum—especially one requiring hospitalization—classifies a pregnancy as high risk.

Women with high-risk pregnancies are typically cared for by a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist, an obstetrician with advanced training in managing complex pregnancies and protecting both mother and baby.

Advanced High-Risk Pregnancy Care at Miller Children’s & Women’s

The Cherese Mari Laulhere BirthCare Center at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital has earned a Level IV maternity designation from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

What a Level IV Maternity Center Means

A Level IV maternity center is equipped to care for the most critical, complex and fragile pregnancies, offering:

• 24/7 in‑house maternal‑fetal medicine specialists
• Advanced fetal monitoring and delivery expertise
• Immediate access to specialized neonatal care

Seamless Care for Mother and Baby

At Miller Children’s & Women’s, maternal‑fetal medicine specialists are available around the clock to manage complex maternity care and perform deliveries when needed.

If a newborn requires immediate support, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is located just steps from the BirthCare Center—eliminating the need to transfer the baby to another hospital and keeping mother and baby close during recovery.

Supporting Safer Deliveries

Maternal‑fetal medicine specialists encourage vaginal delivery whenever possible, even in high‑risk situations. Their advanced training allows them to safely guide labor and delivery, often avoiding unnecessary C‑sections.

Miller Children’s & Women’s is proud to have one of the lowest C‑section rates in the region.

Choosing the Right Hospital for High-Risk Pregnancy

Women with high‑risk pregnancies benefit from delivering at a hospital like Miller Children’s & Women’s, where:

• Mothers receive expert care for complex conditions
• Babies have immediate access to NICU services if needed
• Families avoid separation during critical early moments