A tiered approach to hyperemesis in pregnancy

Hyperemesis causes a variety of problems to mothers during pregnancy and a tiered approach can prove beneficial.

Key Points

Hyperemesis gravidarum is the most common indication for hospitalization in the first half of pregnancy and second only to preterm labor as the most common reason for hospital admission in pregnancy, accounting for more than 39,000 hospital discharges and more than $500 million in hospital costs annually.5-7 The more common nausea and vomiting of pregnancy negatively affects the quality of life of pregnant women, decreases work productivity, and adversely affects family dynamics.2

Epidemiology and risk factors