Thin Mothers at Risk for Nausea

Posted by Brenda Lane May 24, 2008

Many mothers suffer from nausea during pregnancy. Some of them develop a severe form of morning sickness also known as hyperemesis gravidarum. One of the biggest risks of hyperemesis is dehydration resulting from severe naseau and vomiting. Hyperemesis may even require medication and hospitalization for IV fluids.

While experts do not know the exact cause of nausea during pregnancy and treatment does not work the same for each person, new research is showing that mothers who are underweight prior to becoming pregnant are at a greater risk for hyperemesis.

About 900,000 mothers took place in a Swedish study that compared the use of anti-nausea mediation and hospitalization in the following three groups: underweight, normal weight and over ideal weight mothers.

The results indicated that mothers who are under the ideal weight are more likely to use medication and require hospitalization for hyperemesis. The group with the least risk for hyperemesis was the group of mother over their ideal weight.

Brenda