Work

Association between nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: findings from the nuMoM2b study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), including its severe form hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), have been linked to various perinatal outcomes, though findings remain inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the association between NVP severity and adverse pregnancy outcomes and to evaluate whether gestational weight gain (GWG) mediates these relationships. METHODS: We analyzed data from 8396 nulliparous women enrolled in the U.S. nuMoM2b cohort. NVP severity was measured using the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) score across three prenatal visits and categorized as none, one, and ≥2 visits of medium-to-severe NVP. Perinatal outcomes included birth weight, gestational age, preterm delivery, small for gestational age (SGA), and low birth weight (LBW). GWG adequacy was assessed per Institute of Medicine guidelines. Multivariable regression models were used, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical covariates. RESULTS: Overall, 81.6% of women reported no visit with medium-to-severe NVP, 16.2% with one such visit, and 2.3% with two or three such visits. One visit with medium-to-severe NVP was associated with a modest reduction in birth weight (-41.4 g; 95% CI: -72.6, -10.2). Inadequate GWG-regardless of NVP status-was consistently associated with shorter gestation (-0.53 weeks), lower birth weight (-261.3 g), and increased risks of preterm birth, LBW, and SGA (ORs 1.66-2.75). CONCLUSION: NVP severity alone showed limited impact on short-term pregnancy outcomes. However, inadequate GWG emerged as a key modifiable risk factor. These findings underscore the importance of nutritional support and symptom management during pregnancy, particularly for women with moderate-to-severe NVP. Long-term outcomes warrant further investigation.

Source: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

DOI: 10.1007/s00404-025-08176-3

Authors: Ya-Ling Hsieh, Chia-Jung Chiang, Tsung Yu

Institutions: Chi Mei Medical Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University

Language: English

Topic: Pregnancy and Medication Impact

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,590