Differential Diagnosis for Vomiting at 30 Weeks Gestation
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hyperemesis gravidarum: This condition is a common cause of vomiting in pregnancy, especially during the first and second trimesters, but can persist. It is characterized by excessive vomiting, leading to dehydration and weight loss.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroenteritis: Viral or bacterial infections can cause vomiting in pregnant women, similar to the non-pregnant population.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): UTIs are common in pregnancy due to physiological changes and can cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
- Preeclampsia: Although more commonly associated with hypertension and proteinuria, some women with preeclampsia may experience nausea and vomiting.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although rare in pregnancy, appendicitis can present with nausea and vomiting. Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe consequences for both the mother and the fetus.
- Placental abruption: This condition involves the placenta separating from the uterus and can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.
- HELLP syndrome: A variant of preeclampsia, characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count, which can present with nausea and vomiting among other symptoms.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Hydatidiform mole: A rare condition where a non-viable fertilized egg implants in the uterus, leading to severe nausea and vomiting.
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP): A condition causing severe itching and can lead to nausea and vomiting due to bile duct obstruction.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and is rare in pregnancy.