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Reproduction Abstracts (2025) 4 004 | DOI: 10.1530/repabs.4.004

1School of Biological, Health and Sports Science, Technological University Dublin, Ireland; 2The National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Email Address: [email protected] (Eileen O’Brien)


Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) negatively impacts dietary intake and gestational weight gain. The IRIS Clinic at the National Maternity Hospital, Ireland, was established to provide specialised weekly care to individuals with HG, incorporating multidisciplinary support from dietitians, midwives, obstetricians, pharmacists, perinatal mental health midwives, and catering staff. This study aimed to analyse the impact of the clinic on dietary intakes. This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test and post-test design. Participants (n = 31) were recruited from the IRIS clinic and completed a questionnaire on admission (pre-intervention) and 6–8 weeks later (post-intervention). Data collected at both time points included 24-hour dietary recall, HG symptoms (PUQE score), maternal wellbeing, food tolerance, and demographic information. Data were analysed using paired sample t-tests and chi-square tests. Participants had a mean (SD) gestational age of 12.4 (4.3) weeks and age of 31.5 (5.9) years upon admission. Most (61%) were nulliparous, and half (52%) had a BMI within the normal range (18.5–24.9 kg/m2). The mean (SD) PUQE score was 10.3 (2.9) pre-intervention, reducing non-significantly to 7.2 (3.7) post-intervention. Dietary energy intake (kcal/day) significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention (1077 [431] vs. 1493 [542], P = 0.001). Intakes of carbohydrate, protein, fat, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids also significantly increased post-intervention, though all measured nutrients remained below recommended pregnancy intakes. Tolerance to various food characteristics and groups improved post-intervention. An increase in dietary intakes and food tolerance was observed among attendees of the IRIS Clinic, demonstrating the positive impact of this multidisciplinary intervention. However, persistent nutrient shortfalls highlight the need for ongoing dietary interventions throughout pregnancy.

Keywords: Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Dietary Intake, Nutrition, Multidisciplinary Clinic, PUQE Score, Pregnancy, Food Tolerance

Volume 4

International Colloquium on Hyperemesis Gravidarum 2024

Ventura, USA
06 Nov 2024 - 07 Nov 2024

Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation 

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