For so long, many pregnant women have endured severe nausea and vomiting throughout their pregnancy, thinking that these are normal. Celebrities who helped shed light on these health conditions include the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, herself, who experienced hyperemesis gravidarum or extreme morning sickness during her pregnancies.
A recent study, published on December 13 in the Nature journal, has finally uncovered the root cause of morning sickness in pregnant women.
New study reveals what causes morning sickness in pregnant women
The culprit is a hormone called GDF15, produced by the baby during pregnancy. This hormone, which acts on the brainstem, significantly contributes to morning sickness, including its most severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum. However, the researchers acknowledge a lack of a complete understanding of the mechanism behind this hormone.
The study by Fejzo, M., Rocha, N., Cimino, I. et al found a correlation between higher levels of GDF15 in the mother's blood and vomiting during pregnancy. Using advanced technology, researchers determined that most of the GDF15 in the mother's blood originates from the developing baby and the placenta.
"We confirmed that higher GDF15 levels in maternal blood are associated with vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum." —Fejzo, M., Rocha, N., Cimino, I. et al.
Additionally, the study revealed that individuals with low GDF15 levels when not pregnant are more likely to develop hyperemesis gravidarum.
It was also found that women with beta-thalassemia, a condition causing consistently high levels of GDF15, experience milder nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
In experiments with mice, it was observed that their response to GDF15 in terms of food intake depends on their previous exposure to the hormone. This suggests that the body can become less responsive to GDF15 over time. The severity of vomiting and nausea is influenced by the mother's sensitivity to GDF15, which is, in turn, influenced by her exposure to the hormone before pregnancy.
Morning sickness affect over two-thirds of pregnant women in their first trimester, with approximately two percent requiring hospitalization for hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition can lead to health issues such as malnutrition, weight loss, and dehydration. Moreover, it raises the chances of pregnancy complications including preterm birth, preeclampsia, and blood clots, posing serious risks to both the mother and the baby's well-being.
These research findings offer hope for the development of treatments and preventive measures to address severe pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
Read how you can support a pregnant woman who is dealing with morning sickness here.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
