Definition
Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP) is defined as the symptom of nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy, with an onset prior to 16 weeks of gestation, and where there is no other cause.
- Onset is typically in the 4th to 7th weeks of gestation
- Symptoms typically peak at the 9th week
- Symptoms resolve by the 20th week for 90% of women
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is defined as a severe form of NVP which interferes with quality of life and the ability to eat and drink normally. HG affects approximately 0.3-3.6% of pregnant women.
“Morning sickness” is not considered an appropriate phrase to use clinically, as it is an inaccurate description of the condition and is felt to trivialise what can be a severely debilitating complication of pregnancy.
The latest RCOG Guideline places a greater emphasis on patient-focussed criteria, as opposed to strict objective measures such as weight loss and electrolyte imbalance.
Learning Bite
Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy is an umbrella term for a range of symptom severity, with Hyperemesis Gravidarum at the extreme end, affecting up to 3.6% of pregnancies.