Protein meals reduce nausea and gastric slow wave dysrhythmic activity in first trimester pregnancy

First trimester nausea is associated with gastric slow wave dysrhythmias (t achygastria, bradygastria). We tested the roles of meal composition and cal oric content on nausea and slow wave rhythm in 14 nauseated pregnant women. Electrogastrography quantified dysrhythmic activity and signal power respo nses to meals, Symptomatic women reported mild to moderate nausea and exhib ited increased dysrhythmias during fasting (P < 0.05). Protein-predominant meals reduced nausea and dysrhythmic activity to greater degrees than equic aloric carbohydrate and fat meals and noncaloric meals (P < 0.05). Meal con sistency did not affect symptom responses, although liquid meals decreased dysrhythmias more than solids (P < 0.05). Carbohydrates and fats increased electrogastrographic power to similar degrees as proteins, whereas response s to noncaloric meals were less. In conclusion, protein meals selectively r educe nausea and gastric slow wave dysrhythmias in first trimester pregnanc y. Meal consistency is a limited factor in the favorable effects of protein . Electrogastrographic power changes do not explain the symptom response to protein. Thus dietary modulation of gastric myoelectric rhythm with protei n supplementation may provide symptomatic benefit in nausea of pregnancy.