The guideline provides updated evidence-based or best clinical practice information regarding the diagnosis and subsequent management of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) across community, ambulatory day care and inpatient settings.
NVP affects up to 90% of pregnant women and is one of the most common indications for hospital admission among pregnant women. NVP is defined as the symptom of nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy when onset is prior to 16 weeks of gestation and where there are no other causes. The term often used in the lay media for NVP is ‘morning sickness’ which is not only inaccurate (as symptoms occur both before and after noon), but is felt by sufferers to trivialise the condition. HG is a severe form of NVP, which affects between 0.3% and 3.6% of pregnant women, interfering with quality of life and the ability to eat and drink normally.
This guideline gives clinical advice for multidisciplinary professionals involved in the care of women and people with these conditions, including how to counsel and support them before, during and after their pregnancies, and recognises the impact on quality of life for women and their families.
COVID disclaimer
This guideline was developed as part of the regular programme of Green-top Guidelines, as outlined in our document Developing a Green-top Guideline: Guidance for developers, and initiated prior to the emergence of COVID-19.
Version history
This is the second edition of this guideline.
The review process will commence in 2027, unless otherwise indicated.
Developers’ declarations of interest
Available on request.