Is It Normal to Have Beriberi While Pregnant?

Today, beriberi mostly occurs in people with an alcohol use disorder. Beriberi from other causes are rare in the United States. Still, the disease can be seen in women who have extreme nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum), in people with AIDS, and after bariatric surgery.

What is beriberi in pregnancy?

Severe deficiency, also called beriberi, causes difficulty walking, loss of feeling in hands and feet, loss of muscle function or paralysis of the lower legs, mental confusion, speech difficulties, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath with activity.

What causes beri beri in pregnancy?

Babies may also develop beriberi if the breast milk that they drink is lacking in thiamine or if they only drink formula without this vitamin. Although most cases occur with no known family connection, a rare condition called genetic beriberi can block the body's ability to absorb the vitamin from foods.