25 LC 46 1076
House Resolution 211
By: Representatives Cannon of the 58
th
, McQueen of the 61
st
, Miller of the 62
nd
, Paris of the
142
nd
, and Au of the 50
th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the importance of hyperemesis gravidarum and encouraging this state's research
1
institutions to study this issue to improve the quality of life for pregnant people impacted by2
this condition; and for other purposes.3
WHEREAS, having adequate maternal healthcare support by healthcare providers is key to4
better outcomes; and5
WHEREAS, the failure to provide adequate healthcare support is often dismissed, leading6
to negative outcomes, whether such outcomes are psychosocial or detrimental to the physical7
health of the mother and infant; and8
WHEREAS, hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during9
pregnancy sufficient enough to produce weight loss greater than 5 percent, dehydration,10
ketosis, alkalosis, and hypokalemia; and 11
WHEREAS, antenatal follow-up, number of previous births, family history of hyperemesis12
gravidarum, and exercise before pregnancy were significantly associated with outcomes; and 13
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WHEREAS, lifestyle modifications, early treatment, and early ultrasound scans for pregnant
14
women are crucial to reducing the burden of hyperemesis gravidarum; and15
WHEREAS, a large majority of those with this condition reported that hyperemesis16
gravidarum caused negative psychosocial changes, consisting of socioeconomic changes,17
including job loss or difficulties; attitude changes, including fear regarding future18
pregnancies; and psychiatric sequelae, including feelings of depression and anxiety, which19
for some continued postpartum. Patients who reported that their healthcare providers were20
uncaring or unaware of the severity of their symptoms were nearly twice as likely to report21
these psychiatric sequelae; and22
WHEREAS, one challenge with hyperemesis gravidarum is weighing the risks of potential23
complications and misery with possible risks of anti-vomiting (antiemetic) therapies; and24
WHEREAS, holding effective medications until conservative measures have been attempted25
delays needed treatment and may make vomiting more refractory; and 26
WHEREAS, there are a number of medications deemed safe with a long history of use, yet27
newer drugs often prove more effective and do not significantly increase malformation rates;28
and 29
WHEREAS, beyond the fetal loss rate of 34 percent, children are at risk for numerous30
complications from hyperemesis gravidarum, especially if the symptoms are severe,31
prolonged, or inadequately treated or there is a delay in medical intervention. Specifically,32
weight loss over 15 percent of pre-pregnancy weight is highly predictive of adverse fetal33
impact; and34
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WHEREAS, the exact cause of hyperemesis gravidarum is not entirely clear, but high
35
cortisol levels and stress, micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin K embryopathy or Wernicke's36
encephalopathy), and inadequate maternal support, resources, and access to care all play a37
role. Some problems may also be related to specific issues such as IV infection, emboli, and38
medication side effects, and effective care is crucial; and39
WHEREAS, hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that affects about40
1 to 3 percent of pregnant women; and 41
WHEREAS, the exact number of women who experience hyperemesis gravidarum is42
unknown because some cases may go unreported; and 43
WHEREAS, hyperemesis gravidarum is more likely to occur in multiple pregnancies; and44
WHEREAS, hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by persistent vomiting in the first45
trimester that leads to weight loss; and46
WHEREAS, patients with hyperemesis gravidarum may also experience dehydration, poor47
skin turgor, and dry mucous membranes; and48
WHEREAS, hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to poor pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm49
labor, fetal malformations, and low birth weight; and50
WHEREAS, hyperemesis gravidarum can also cause negative psychosocial changes, such51
as depression, anxiety, and fear of future pregnancies; and 52
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WHEREAS, being underweight before pregnancy may be a risk factor for hyperemesis
53
gravidarum; and54
WHEREAS, multiple gestations, molar pregnancies, and fetal anomalies may also increase55
the risk of hyperemesis gravidarum.56
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that57
the members of this body recognize the importance of hyperemesis gravidarum and58
encourage the research institutions of this state to study this issue to improve the quality of59
life for pregnant people impacted by this condition.60
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized61
and directed to send copies of this resolution to each president of a research institution in this62
state and make further appropriate copies available for distribution to the public and the63
press.64
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