Good news for pregnant people plagued by the nausea and vomiting caused by what’s commonly known as “Morning Sickness.”
A growing amount of research shows that pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting is likely caused by an excess level of a hormone called GDF15.
An excess level GDF15 hormone is associated with morning sickness of all levels, including the most severe and sometimes life-threatening morning sickness called Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
Knowing the cause means researchers can begin to work on a cure. But first, what is morning sickness and how many people experience this pregnancy nuisance?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Morning sickness is feeling like throwing up, also called nausea, and throwing up, also called vomiting, that occurs during pregnancy. “
About two-thirds of women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Although it’s known as “morning” sickness it can happen any time of day or can be persistent all day and night during some pregnancies.
The Morning sickness usually subsides after the first trimester but for some it can become a much more serious and longer-lasting condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is rare, but serious, making it impossible to eat or drink which deprives the mother and fetus of essential nutrients and can be life-threatening. This is when the nausea and vomiting cause serious fluid loss or loss of more than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight. Hyperemesis Gravidarum might require going to a hospital for treatment or a recommendation of bedrest for the duration of the pregnancy.
What does the latest research say about the cause of morning sickness?
In 2021 researchers identified a common factor between proposed causes is thought to be human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), as this substance reaches its peak in the period associated with the highest incidence of morning sickness, namely, 12-14 weeks of gestation, and because its levels are higher in such women compared to those without such symptoms but recently published research has narrowed it down to GDF15.
Research about Hyperemesis Gravidarum led to the discovery that GDF15 is likely the culprit for morning sickness, whether it’s severe or minor. Researchers say excessive or high levels of GDF15 before pregnancy can predict morning sickness as well as level of severity.
The medical community is teaming up with the researchers in searching for and recommending ways to balance GDF15 hormones in women with excess amounts before or early on in pregnancy in order to combat nausea and vomiting and eliminate morning sickness
When to see a doctor for morning sickness?
- You don’t produce urine or only a small amount of urine that’s a dark color
- You have trouble drinking liquids or can’t keep liquids down
- You can’t eat food or keep food down
- You feel dizzy, faint or weak when you stand up
- Your heart races or you feel a pounding in your chest
Mild nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can be normal and usually won’t cause harm.
Severe and persistent vomiting is different and potentially more threatening.
If left untreated, severe nausea and vomiting can cause a lack of bodily fluids and dehydration. It can also lead to an imbalance in electrolytes, which are the salts in your blood that control the balance of fluids in the body. Research isn’t conclusive on whether Hyperemesis Gravidarum causes poor weight gain for the baby during pregnancy.
“If you aren’t able to keep food or water down at all, it’s time to see your doctor or go to the emergency room.”
– Landie Gupta, OB/GYN
There’s no sure way to prevent morning sickness. For now, doctors recommend managing it with rest, sucking or chewing on ice chips and eating a light but nutritious diet.
Morning sickness has been reported through all cultures since records have been kept about pregnancy.
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As research about morning sickness expands so does hope for a cure – or at least more ways for pregnant people to find relief.
