Nutritional Intervention

Being pregnant, women are in a state of accelerated starvation, meaning the adverse effects of starvation occur more quickly. Significant malnutrition can occur as many nutrients are depleted in a relatively short time frame, especially water-soluble vitamins, such as thiamin. Within just 2 weeks, nutritional deficiencies (e.g., B1) can cause neurological and cardiac symptoms that may be fatal. If HG is left untreated, numerous complications can result.

Offsite Research: PubMed Research on Nutrition and HG

IV Nutrition (Parenteral)

IV Nutrition

In women that do not respond to medications, IV nutrition is imperative. Women with HG often have delayed gastric emptying, reflux, and hypersensitive gag reflexes that increase their risk of complications, and many benefit greatly from a brief period of gut rest. It cannot be overemphasized that the longer a woman vomits, the more likely the complications, and the more difficult it is to stop the vomiting cycle. Early intervention is key, especially in women with a history of HG.

Tube Feeding (Enteral)

Parenteral (IV Nutrition)

Enteral (Tube Feeding)

Refeeding Syndrome

Patients at Risk for Refeeding Syndrome

Poor nutritional intake
Weight loss >15%
Prolonged IV hydration
Significant stress
Electrolyte & nutrient depletion

Nutritional Assessment

Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)

Subjective Global Assessment (SGA)

Neurological Complications Due to Malnutrition

Neurological Conditions like Wernicke's Encephalopathy and Central Pontine Myelinolysis may be prevented in most cases by careful and proactive repletion of micronutrients. They may be fatal for the mother and unborn child if left untreated. Increasing numbers of cases are being reported each year. Symptoms differ in non-alcoholic patients like mothers with HG.

Nutritional Intervention