Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
Hyperemesis gravidarum is the official medical term for severe, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, often abbreviated as HG. While it is sometimes colloquially referred to as "extreme morning sickness," this term is medically inaccurate as it fails to capture the severity, potential for dehydration, and systemic impact of Hyperemesis gravidarum. What are the formal and historical names for Hyperemesis gravidarum? In clinical settings, Hyperemesis gravidarum is the universally accepted terminology.
1 people with Hyperemesis Gravidarum have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum synonyms
Other names for Hyperemesis Gravidarum: synonyms, acronyms and related terms used by doctors and patients.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is the official medical term for severe, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, often abbreviated as HG. While it is sometimes colloquially referred to as "extreme morning sickness," this term is medically inaccurate as it fails to capture the severity, potential for dehydration, and systemic impact of Hyperemesis gravidarum.
What are the formal and historical names for Hyperemesis gravidarum?
In clinical settings, Hyperemesis gravidarum is the universally accepted terminology. Historically, you may encounter the term "pernicious vomiting of pregnancy" in older medical literature. While the condition is classified under ICD-10 and ICD-11 codes (typically O21.0 or O21.1), it is not a genetic disorder, so it does not carry an OMIM number. The name Hyperemesis gravidarum derives from the Greek "hyper-" (excessive) and "emesis" (vomiting), combined with the Latin "gravidarum" (of pregnant women).
Why does Hyperemesis gravidarum have different names?
The naming of Hyperemesis gravidarum reflects its evolution from a poorly understood "psychosomatic" condition in the 20th century to a recognized physiological complication affecting the digestive and endocrine systems. Because it shares symptoms with common morning sickness, the term Hyperemesis gravidarum was specifically adopted to distinguish it from mild, self-limiting pregnancy nausea. Currently, over 424 members of the DiseaseMaps.org community use the term Hyperemesis gravidarum to discuss their experiences, ensuring clear communication with healthcare providers.
Common terminology and classification
When reviewing your medical records, you may see the following terms or abbreviations related to Hyperemesis gravidarum:
- HG: The standard clinical abbreviation.
- Pernicious vomiting of pregnancy: An archaic term rarely used in modern practice.
- Pregnancy-induced intractable vomiting: A descriptive phrase sometimes used in hospital documentation.
- ICD-10 O21.0/O21.1: The official billing and diagnostic codes used globally.
Next steps
- Consult your OB/GYN to ensure your medical records explicitly state Hyperemesis gravidarum to facilitate proper insurance coverage for treatments like IV fluids.
- Join the 424 members on DiseaseMaps.org to share your journey and learn coping strategies.
- Request a referral to a high-risk pregnancy specialist (maternal-fetal medicine) if your symptoms persist despite standard interventions.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the advice of your physician regarding a medical condition.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Orphanet (Rare Disease Database)
- HER Foundation (Hyperemesis Education and Research)
- PubMed Central: Clinical reviews on the management of Hyperemesis gravidarum
Posted May 5, 2018 by Mary 3700
