Hyperemesis gravidarum that requires hospitalization and the use of antiemetic drugs in relation to maternal body composition

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess whether maternal prepregnancy body mass index was associated with the use of antiemetic drugs in early pregnancy and/or with the occurrence of hyperemesis gravidarum.

Study Design

A retrospective, population-based, cohort study. Women who delivered singleton infants (n = 749,435) from 1995-2003 were evaluated concerning the use of antiemetic drugs in early pregnancy (data available from 1995). Women who delivered singleton infants (n = 942,894) from 1992-2001 were evaluated concerning hospitalization because of hyperemesis gravidarum (data available until 2001). Adjusted odds ratios were determined by Mantel-Haenszel technique and were used as estimates of relative risk (RR).

Results

Underweight pregnant women were more likely to use antiemetic drugs (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.14-1.24) and to become hospitalized for hyperemesis gravidarum (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.33-1.54) compared with ideal weight women. Obese women were less likely to use antiemetic drugs (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.97) and less likely to require hospitalization because of hyperemesis (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85-0.95) compared with women with an ideal body mass index.

Conclusion

The use of antiemetic drugs and the occurrence of hyperemesis gravidarum are related to maternal body composition.

Key words: body mass index, hyperemesis gravidarum, nausea, pregnancy, vomiting