The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has published an updated Green-top Guideline on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum, to provide healthcare professionals with clinical guidance on diagnosis, management and treatment of these conditions.
Alongside this, the corresponding RCOG patient information resource has also been updated.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is common and typically starts between the fourth and seventh weeks of gestation, and resolves by the twentieth week in 90% of women. If nausea and vomiting in pregnancy becomes so severe that it leads to dehydration and significant weight loss, it is known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This affects 1-3 in 100 pregnant women and people and can be incredibly debilitating.
The original publication, issued in 2016, was the first national guideline to cover nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This comprehensive update sets out best practice to ensure that all women and pregnant people can access supportive care and counselling in the most appropriate setting, based on evidence-led investigations and treatment options.
Further Information:
- Read the Green-Top Guideline on The Management of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Read the Patient Information Resource on Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum)
- Women and their families affected by Hyperemesis Gravidarum can access support through the charity: Pregnancy Sickness Support