What condition is characterized by excessive vomiting during pregnancy?

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by excessive vomiting during pregnancy, which often leads to dehydration, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies. It goes beyond the typical morning sickness experienced by many pregnant individuals and can significantly impact the health of both the mother and the developing fetus if not managed appropriately.

The condition typically presents in the first trimester but can last throughout pregnancy. It is thought to be related to hormonal changes, particularly elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen, which play crucial roles in maintaining pregnancy but can contribute to nausea and vomiting.

In contrast, placental abruption involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which can cause severe pain and is more associated with bleeding rather than vomiting. Placenta previa refers to a condition where the placenta is abnormally positioned over the cervix, leading to complications during delivery but not specifically associated with vomiting. Uterine inversion is a rare and serious condition where the uterus turns inside out during or after delivery, and it can cause hemorrhage but does not relate to vomiting during pregnancy.