Pregnant women have a 50-50 chance of dealing with morning sickness and nausea. Until recently, researchers haven't discovered the exact cause. However, a recent study led by Marlena Fejzo from the University of Southern California uncovered some insights.
The research team analyzed data from 300 pregnant women in their first trimester, who came from various hospitals. The focus was on the protein hormone GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15), a substance that's linked to typical pregnancy nausea. Previous studies have shown a connection between the hormone and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), the severe form of morning sickness that can be life-threatening.
The scientists determined GDF15 levels in the blood plasma, asked pregnant women about their symptoms, and analyzed their genetic sequence. The results showed that expectant mothers with higher GDF15 levels experienced more nausea and vomiting than those with lower levels. Interestingly, GDF15 is primarily produced by the fetus and released into the mother's body.
But why do some pregnant women never feel sick during their pregnancy? The researchers found that women normally produce low levels of GDF15 before pregnancy. If women have low GDF15 levels before pregnancy, they are more likely to suffer from morning sickness and the risk of developing HG increases. Conversely, women with pre-pregnancy high GDF15 levels are less likely to experience morning sickness and have a lower risk of HG. This is especially true for those with beta-thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder.
However, it's not just the absolute level of GDF15 in the blood that causes morning sickness. The development of nausea and vomiting is linked to the variation in GDF15 levels during pregnancy. This explains why the severity of morning sickness differs among pregnant women. Women who are more sensitive to the hormone are more likely to experience severe symptoms.
On a positive note, the researchers suggest that understanding the causes of HG may lead to effective treatments and help prevent future cases. It's possible that small doses of the messenger substance before pregnancy and medication to reduce GDF15 levels during pregnancy could alleviate symptoms until further research is conducted.
Insight 1: Researches also found that the severity of morning sickness is linked to women's sensitivity to the GDF15 hormone. Women with higher sensitivity may be more likely to have severe symptoms.
Insight 2: Exposure to GDF15 before pregnancy can desensitize the body to its effects. Women who were exposed to this hormone before pregnancy may not react as strongly to it during pregnancy.
Insight 3: Women diagnosed with beta-thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, have lower risk to developing HG.
These new findings can help improve the understanding of morning sickness and contribute to the development of more effective treatment methods for pregnant women who suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum.
