Morning sickness treatment a ‘step closer’ as scientists identify cause | UK News | Sky News
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have pinpointed the cause of severe morning sickness, revealing that nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are linked to the hormone GDF15. The fetal part of the placenta produces this hormone, and a mother’s sensitivity to it determines the severity of morning sickness. The study, published in the journal Nature, emphasizes that women with normally low GDF15 levels in their blood are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms.
As many as 70% of pregnancies are affected by nausea and vomiting, but severe cases, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, impact 1-3% of pregnancies and can be life-threatening. The research suggests a potential preventive approach by building a woman’s tolerance to GDF15 before pregnancy. Mice exposed to this hormone exhibited signs of nausea, but those treated with a long-acting form of GDF15 did not show similar symptoms.
Co-author Dr. Marlena Fejzo, drawing on personal experience with hyperemesis gravidarum, expressed hope that understanding the cause could lead to effective treatments, bringing relief to mothers who endure severe pregnancy-related sickness.
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