Original Communication Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Fetal Outcome

ABSTRACT. Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is reported in 0.5–2 % of all pregnancies. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the relationship of maternal HG, neonatal birth weight, and birth outcomes. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 45 patients diagnosed, by Fair-weather’s criteria, with HG compared with 306 non-HG con-trol pregnant patients with singleton pregnancies. Sociode-mographic and clinical data were obtained from the pregnant patients. Neonatal data were also collected, including indi-cators of neonatal wellness. Results: Significantly higher inci-dences of being nonwhite (33 % vs 16%; p .05) and of attaining post–high school education (60 % vs 38%) were noted in the HG group, relative to controls. Mothers in the control group experienced greater gestational weight gain, 14.9 0.3 kg (mean SEM) relative to mothers in the H