We have previously identified a delayed-hatching phenotype in nmrk-1 mutants, which are deficient in NAD+ biosynthesis. Curiously, this phenotype is only observed when the animals are raised under conditions of increased oxidative stress. The connection between NAD+ levels, oxidative stress, and hatching remains unknown. One candidate that may provide the “missing link” for this phenotype is the hexosamine pathway. We use metabolomics and genetics-based approaches to investigate this pathway in relationship to the phenotype.