Research on HG's short- and long-term effects is desperately needed and needed now. We need to do more to find a cure for this disease that has such devastating effects on a growing number of soon-to-be mothers.

Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA)

HG forces women to make difficult decisions... the H.E.R. web site is the most comprehensice location to educatte oneself to make the best decisions.

Marlena S. Fejzo, PhD USA

HG is a devastating illness and yet so little research has been undertaken into causes and therapies.

Dr. Matthes Seeling, MD

HG is a termendously debilitating disease that can have life long consequences. This Web site will provide much needed support to mothers suffering from this disease.

TM Goodwin, MD USA

HG has a devastating personal and family impact and effective management is most important.

Ron Taylor, MD UK

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Nutrient Rich Foods for Pregnant Women

Protein Foods:

Meat (hormone free) - avoid heavy meat consumption if possible because their high phosphorus level may interfere with calcium utilization.
Fish - avoid shellfish; salmon or similar fish is preferred except those that come from contaminated waters
Poultry (free range if possible)
Eggs (with extra Omega fatty acids and free range if possible)
Dairy foods (growth hormone free if possible), goat milk, or enriched nut/grain "milks" like rice/soy/almond/oat. These enriched products often have more calcium per ounce than cow's milk. Some suggest that consuming cow products (milk/cheese/yogurt) in the 3rd trimester can cause sensitivities to cow's milk in the infant
Nuts & Seeds - esp. almonds, walnuts, sunflower, flax (high in essential fatty acids needed for brain development) and macadamias (good source of fat calories). Also try them ground (i.e. almond butter). Avoid eating if you cannot drink at the same time and are vomiting.
Whole Grains - esp. brown rice, millet and quinoa
Legumes & Tofu (any tolerated)
Protein Shakes (or liquid meals: Ensure)

Calcium Rich Foods (esp. important during the 2nd half of pregnancy)

Fish - esp. salmon
Dairy products or nut/grain milks
Whole grains - esp. quinoa and brown rice
Nuts and seeds - esp. almonds
Leafy greens - esp. kale and chard

Iron, Folic Acid and Zinc Rich Foods

Meats - esp. lean beef, lamb, chicken, and pork
Eggs
Fish - esp. salmon
Molasses
Millet and Quinoa
Fruits - esp. prunes, raisins
Vegetables - esp. mushrooms, chard, spinach, beets
Nuts, Seeds and Legumes (esp. lentils)

A note about iron fortified foods: Many iron fortified foods have iron in a form that is not absorbable, so it is of little benefit. An iron supplement is available from a health care professional if needed.

Other Essential Foods and Nutrients

Vitamin A - Winter Squash (Pumpkin, butternut), Yams
Essential Fatty Acids - Flax Oil, nuts, seeds, expeller pressed oils (very important for baby's brain development)
Fiber - Whole grains, prunes, berries (esp. blackberry & raspberry), apples
Filtered Water - as much as is tolerated
Raspberry leaf tea - may help tone the uterus
Smoothies & Juices - freshly prepared or juiced (any vegetable or fruit that can be tolerated is encouraged; add fresh ginger if tolerated); or try the Baby Shake.

Updated on: Mar. 24, 2010