What condition does persistent vomiting and fever in a pregnant woman potentially signal?

Persistent vomiting and fever in a pregnant woman can potentially signal pre-eclampsia, which is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys, typically occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy. While it can present with various symptoms, some women may experience nausea and vomiting, along with fever, particularly if there is a concern for liver involvement or other complications.

Pre-eclampsia can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus if not diagnosed and managed properly. The presence of persistent vomiting and fever could indicate severe pre-eclampsia or an impending crisis, necessitating immediate medical evaluation to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.

Normal pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, do not typically include fever and are generally more transient in nature. Gestational diabetes primarily affects glucose metabolism and does not usually present with vomiting and fever. Ectopic pregnancy may present with abdominal pain and sometimes bleeding, but fever and persistent vomiting are not classic signs of this condition. Therefore, pre-eclampsia emerges as the most relevant condition to consider in the context of persistent vomiting and fever during pregnancy.