Since 70-80 percent of pregnant people suffer from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, also known as morning sickness, it is a common issue. However, there is no solid cure for this debilitating condition, as it is not fully understood. But a recent study may have uncovered the cause and potential treatments for this condition.
The study, published in Nature, determined that the hormone GDF15, produced by the fetus, is the cause of morning sickness. Researchers found that the severity of morning sickness depends on the level of this hormone produced and a person’s exposure to it prior to pregnancy.
By examining data from various studies, researchers measured the amount of GDF15 in pregnant people’s blood while looking at genetic risk factors for hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy sickness. It was noted that people with low levels of GDF15 in their blood were more sensitive to it during pregnancy, increasing their risk of severe morning sickness.
The study concluded that morning sickness is primarily caused by GDF15, depending on a person’s exposure to it and the hormone levels released during pregnancy. This particularly affects the mother’s sensitivity to the hormone and increases the severity of morning sickness.
Researchers hope that these findings can lead to more effective treatments, especially for individuals with hyperemesis gravidarum, to prevent others from experiencing the same extreme sickness. By understanding the cause of this condition, they anticipate developing improved treatments.
One of the studies found that mice given high levels of GDF15 exhibited loss of appetite, a sign of nausea. However, this effect disappeared when the mice were treated beforehand with a long-acting form of GDF15. This shows potential for treating morning sickness in humans by building up a tolerance for the hormone or preventing GDF15 from accessing its specific receptor in the mother’s brain.
Understanding the cause of morning sickness may lead to developing effective treatments. Researchers hope this will help individuals suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum and prevent other mothers from experiencing the same intense sickness.
