Research on HG's short- and long-term effects is desperately needed and needed now. We need to do more to find a cure for this disease that has such devastating effects on a growing number of soon-to-be mothers.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory findings your doctor may be looking for include signs of dehydration and starvation such as increased ketones, increased urine specific gravity, increased blood urea nitrogen. If you have been sick for a while, your tests may also reveal an increase in liver enzymes, such as in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase or bilirubin activity. This will typically return to normal over time as you recover.
Your thyroid levels may also be abnormal but usually return to normal after the first trimester. There is often an increased hematocrit, indicating you have a low blood volume. Electrolyte changes include decreased sodium, potassium, chloride and magnesium levels. However, these levels may appear falsely concentrated due to dehydration. Replacing these vitamins and electrolytes in your IV fluids is easy and important. It may also ease your symptoms.
If you have been unable to eat sufficiently for a few weeks and also have been vomiting, you are at risk for nutritional deficiencies. Being pregnant, you are also in a state of accelerated starvation, meaning the adverse effects of starvation will occur more quickly. Significant malnutrition can occur over time if you continue to not be able to eat and nutritional therapies are not offered. Many nutrients are depleted in a relatively short time frame, especially water-soluble vitamins, such as thiamine. It is highly recommended that vitamins be given daily whenever you are receiving IV fluids. With adequate and prompt treatment of HG, you and your baby will not likely have serious complications.
Adapted from US Pharmacist and other sources.
Updated on: Mar. 24, 2010
Beyond Morning Sickness 
The Proving Grounds