Dehydration and Malnourishment: Extreme cases of morning sickness, known as *Hyperemesis gravidarum, can lead to dehydration and malnourishment.  These cases are rare (occurring in roughly 2% of pregnant women), but can be very serious. It is important to monitor your weight and drink plenty of fluids.  If you are having trouble keeping any food down or noticing dehydration, headaches, confusion, fainting, jaundice, extreme fatigue or low blood pressure, please contact us immediately.

Inability to keep down prenatal vitamin: Prenatal vitamins are an important source of nourishment during pregnancy. While they are designed to prevent neural tube defects and to help your baby develop, as well as provide nutrients to your own body, many of them can contribute to an upset stomach. If you are having a hard time finding a prenatal vitamin that agrees with your stomach, our nurses and doctors can help you find the right one.

Diarrhea: While morning sickness can feel like a stomach bug, diarrhea is not typically a symptom and can be caused by an infection or more severe sickness.

Fever: Fever is not a symptom of morning sickness. A fever experienced at any time during your pregnancy can indicate you have an infection and should be discussed with your doctor.

*Hyperemesis gravidarum: The most severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is called hyperemesis gravidarum. It occurs in up to 3% of pregnancies. This condition may be diagnosed when a woman has lost 5% of her pre-pregnancy weight and has other problems related to dehydration (loss of body fluids). Women with hyperemesis gravidarum need treatment to stop their vomiting and restore body fluids. Sometimes treatment in a hospital is needed.