Definition
HG is not morning sickness.
Persistent nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, weight loss ≥ 5% of pre-pregnancy weight, dehydration, ketonuria, and inability to keep down food or fluids. It has diagnostic criteria. It has a treatment ladder. It is a medical condition, not a personality.
Read the full guide →Red flags
When to go to the ER.
Inability to keep fluids down for 12+ hours, dark urine or no urination for 8+ hours, dizziness or fainting, weight loss greater than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight, blood in vomit, or a HELP Score in the severe band.
ER checklist →Treatment
The medication ladder.
Pyridoxine + doxylamine → ondansetron → promethazine / metoclopramide → corticosteroids → IV hydration and nutrition. HG-literate clinicians follow a recognizable stepwise protocol — and so should yours.
Open treatment protocol →Scoring
How clinicians measure severity.
PUQE-24 for the last 24 hours of nausea, vomiting, and retching. The HER Foundation HELP Score for overall severity including weight loss, hospitalization, and quality of life. Use both — they answer different questions.
Score your severity →