The Effect of Hyperemesis Gravidarum on Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the clinical characteristics of the patients followed with the diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). We aimed to determine the effects of HG on pregnancy outcomes in these patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the department of obstetrics of our hospital between the years 2018–2020. The study group consisted of pregnant women who were diagnosed with HG before the 20th gestational week and were treated and delivered at our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of HG. Both groups were compared in terms of placental dysfunction and newborn outcomes. The severity of the HG was assessed and classified. A sub-analysis of the HG group comparing mild and severe cases was performed. Results: The study included 213 patients diagnosed with HG and 218 healthy pregnant women without HG diagnosis. Preterm birth (p=0.034) and small for gestational age (SGA) (p=0.016) were significantly higher in the HG group compared to the control group. 78.8% of the pregnant women diagnosed with HG were mild and 21.1% were severe HG. When women in the severe HG group and mild HG group were compared, we found that severe HG is associated with a higher chance of SGA (p=0.042), preterm birth (p=0.001) and admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (p=0.031). Conclusions: Babies born from hyperemetic pregnant women are at a significant risk for SGA and preterm birth compared to babies born from healthy pregnant women. This risk increases especially in pregnant women with severe HG.