You’ve already been given good info – but here’s something to put your mind at ease re: the baby’s health.
With my second pregnancy I had HG (Hyperemesis Gravidum). I lost over 25% of my body weight in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (in my case, this was a dramatic 27lb weight loss) and was unable to hold anything (including water) down for about 6 weeks. I needed IV hydration and was put on a medication called Zofran (which is typically given to patients undergoing chemotherapy). The medication didn’t take away the nausea, but did decrease my retching from over 50+ times per day (around the clock, constant throwing up..usually just bile because, as I mentioned, I couldn’t even drink fluids for a time) to only about a dozen times a day.
On the medication I still felt horribly nauseated, but threw up less frequently. The vomiting and nausea lasted the ENTIRE pregnancy. I was told by my OB team to literally eat ANYTHING at all that I could. In my case it was only Nerds candy. I’m not even kidding. Something about the hard (rock like) texture and sour taste worked..and I survived on sips of water and Nerds candies for nearly 3 months. (I was able to eat small meals by my 3rd trimester..but still threw up at times..)
HG also sometimes causes the sensation of “spinning” or dizziness (which I had so badly for a time around weeks 10 to 18 that I was actually unable to even sit up or get out of bed).
I tell you all this because I thought my HG was really severe..and was told it wasn’t actually that severe. And..at the end of a very miserable 9+ months of pregnancy..I delivered a perfectly healthy baby boy and promptly felt MUCH better.
My SIL also had HG with all 3 of her pregnancies. She also required medication and IV hydration and she somehow managed to continue to teach (full time) high school chemistry throughout her pregnancies! She would quickly dash out of her classroom to throw up countless times each day..and just carry on. I am absolutely amazed at her strength.
All 3 of her children are also healthy, smart wonderful kids. (Though, her youngest has allergies..but hey, so do lots of other kids..)
So—rest assured even if your wife seems terribly ill – the baby is probably just fine.
Right now your wife needs TLC – and to have her doctors make sure she is not dehydrated or in danger…but if she’s not dehydrated or if she hasn’t hit the criteria for HG (which involves massive weight loss and constant vomiting) she might not be provided any treatment for her severe nausea. Sad, but true.
I recommend this website for helpful info on HG and also for useful tips on how to help your wife.