nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), a common condition of early pregnancy characterized by recurrent or persistent nausea, often in the morning, that may result in vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, general weakness, and malaise. The timing of increased symptoms coincides with an elevation in the level of hCG and shortly after that elevations in estrogen and progesterone, although a causative association is not presently recognized. A severe form is hyperemesis gravidarum, the most common cause of hospital admission in the first half of pregnancy. Also called morning sickness. See also hyperemesis gravidarum. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: It usually does not begin before the sixth week after the last menstrual period and ends by the twelfth to the fourteenth week of pregnancy. Symptoms are seen in 70% to 85% of pregnant women; it is most common in the first trimester. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: There are various antiemetic therapies with varying rates of response. Symptomatic relief is often obtained by eating small, easily digested meals frequently and by not allowing the stomach to be empty. In the past, antiemetic drugs were routinely prescribed for this complaint, but this practice is currently reserved for severe cases. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Women with severe NVP may have multiple gestations or molar pregnancy, and evaluation for these problems is indicated in this circumstance.
