It is well established that the increase in cff-DNA levels can be used as a predictive marker for the early detection of pregnancy-related disorders, such as preeclampsia, IUGR, preterm labor, placental previa and hyperemesis gravidarum, although conflicting evidence suggests that cff-DNA levels may increase during the early stages of pathological changes and may later decrease as the disease progresses. The gene discussed is HCFC1; the disease is hyperemesis gravidarum.