Clinical study assessing the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy using PUQE score and pregnancy outcomes

Background: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common condition that varies from mild symptoms to severe hyperemesis gravidarum. The Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) score provides an objective assessment of symptom severity. This study evaluated the severity of NVP using the PUQE score and its association with maternal and fetal outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a tertiary care hospital attached to a medical college after ethical approval. A total of 130 pregnant women aged 18–40 years with intrauterine pregnancy of less than 22 weeks presenting with nausea and vomiting were enrolled after informed consent. Demographic, obstetric, clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic data were recorded. Severity was assessed using the modified PUQE score. Participants were followed until delivery, and maternal and fetal outcomes were evaluated. Results: Higher PUQE scores correlated with increased risk of maternal complications such as preterm birth, proteinuria, gestational hypertension, and persistent pelvic girdle pain, and hospital admission. Severe cases were also associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including low birth weight and increased risk of preterm delivery, NICU admission whereas women with mild-to-moderate scores generally had favourable outcomes. Conclusions: The PUQE score is a simple and effective tool to objectively assess NVP severity. Its use in clinical practice may help identify women at risk of complications, allowing timely interventions that improve maternal health and optimize fetal outcomes.