Hg
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Mercury |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Science & Engineering, Medical |
| Also written | HG |
Hg has two meanings. It stands for Mercury (chemical element) or Hyperemesis gravidarum (obstetrics & gynecology).
Meanings of Hg at a glance
| # | Hg stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercury | Science & Engineering › Chemical Element |
| 2 | Hyperemesis gravidarum | Medical › Obstetrics & Gynecology |
1. Mercury
Science & Engineering · Chemical Element Abbreviations
The only metal that is liquid at room temperature, mercury (element 80) was long used in thermometers, barometers, fluorescent lamps and dental amalgam fillings. Its vapor and organic compounds are toxic: methylmercury builds up in large predatory fish such as swordfish, which is why pregnant women are advised to limit them.
Example: Blood pressure is still reported in mm Hg, a unit from the days of mercury manometers.
The symbol Hg comes from hydrargyrum, the Latinized form of Greek hydrargyros, "water-silver"; the old English name quicksilver means "living silver." The element is named after the Roman god and the planet Mercury, whose symbol alchemists shared. Mass poisoning in Minamata, Japan, led to the 2013 Minamata Convention, which phases down mercury in products and processes.
2. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
Medical · Obstetrics & Gynecology Abbreviations
Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting in pregnancy leading to dehydration, weight loss of more than 5 percent and electrolyte problems, far beyond typical morning sickness. It affects a small percentage of pregnancies and can require hospital admission.
Example: HG at 10 weeks, 4 kg weight loss, ketonuria; IV fluids with thiamine, ondansetron.
Research published in 2023 linked HG to the hormone GDF15, produced by the placenta. Thiamine is given to prevent Wernicke encephalopathy. Treatments include pyridoxine-doxylamine, antiemetics and, in severe cases, steroids or tube feeding. Symptoms often improve after 20 weeks but can persist.
Related abbreviations
More chemical element abbreviations
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More obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations
- GCT – Glucose challenge test
- GSM – Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
- GTPAL – Gravida, term, preterm, abortions, living
- HELLP – Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets
- HRT – Hormone replacement therapy
- HSIL – High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
- ICP – Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
- ICSI – Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
See all 89 obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.