A case of hyperemesis gravidarum treated with artificial nutritional support.

A case of severe hyperemesis gravidarum is described in which the parturient required nutritional support. Initially a trial of enteral feeding was attempted but was unsuccessful. Subsequent parenteral nutrition allowed the remainder of the pregnancy to continue and a live infant was delivered by caesarean section at 34 weeks gestation. Criteria for using artificial feeding, the nutritional requirements of a pregnant woman and the potential hazards to the pregnancy by giving artificial nutritional support are reviewed.