Unani Perspective of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Qay’al Haml): A Literary Review

Irshad S, Naaz V and Ayub S

Published on: 2025-01-01

Abstract

Hyperemesis gravidarum (Qay’al Haml) is a complex condition with a multifactorial etiology characterized by severe intractable nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting were first described as symptoms of early pregnancy in Egypt 2000 BC, hyperemesis was probably first described during the 2nd century AD. Hippocrates (460-377 BC) as well as Aristotle (384-322 BC) observed that the degree of nausea and vomiting could be related to fetal gender. there are numerous theories regarding to etiology of hyperemesis gravidarum but none of these conclusive it is most likely not due to one factor hence, treatment of this condition should be ranging from dietary and lifestyle changes to medical therapy and counselling. Despite a high prevalence, studies exploring underlying etiology and treatments are limited. We performed a unani literature review, focusing on articles published over the last 10 years, to examine current perspectives and recent developments in hyperemesis gravidarum.