Adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy

Objective: To examine the influence of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Outcomes were compared for primigravidas with a current singleton gestation enrolled at < 20 weeks' gestation in a maternity risk screening and education program (n = 81 486). Patient-reported maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared for women with and without NVP and within the NVP group for those with and without poor weight gain. Results: 6.4% of women reported NVP as a pregnancy complication. Women reporting NVP were more likely to be younger, obese, single and smoke. They had higher rates of preterm delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension and low birth weight < 2500 g. Almost one-quarter of women with NVP had lower than recommended weight gain. Poor weight gain was associated with a higher incidence of adverse outcomes. Obesity, tobacco use and poor pregnancy weight gain independently increased the odds of an adverse outcome. Conclusion: NVP and subsequent poor weight gain may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.