Morning sickness during pregnancy is a common yet unpredictable phenomenon that affects many pregnant women, manifesting as nausea and vomiting. However, the impact of this varies widely from woman to woman.
A study led by researchers at the University of Cambridge has shed light on the mystery behind morning sickness during pregnancy. The study reveals a significant discovery related to a hormone produced by the foetus, known as GDF15, and its impact on maternal well-being during pregnancy.
Traditionally, the cause of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting was difficult to find. However, recent advancements, including biochemical and genetic studies, suggested a potential link between the placental hormone GDF15 and the manifestation of these symptoms. The Cambridge-led international study further explored this connection, involving scientists from Scotland, the USA, and Sri Lanka.
The study suggests a potential breakthrough in preventing morning sickness by exposing women to GDF15 before pregnancy. The researchers propose that building up a woman’s tolerance to the hormone could be a key strategy in mitigating the severity of symptoms. This offers hope to the many women who face the challenges of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
The research team identified a rare genetic variant associated with a higher risk of severe morning sickness, revealing lower levels of GDF15 in the blood and tissues outside of pregnancy. On the other hand, women with beta thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder causing naturally elevated GDF15 levels, experienced minimal or no nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. These genetic insights provide valuable clues for understanding and potentially predicting the severity of morning sickness.
Professor Sir Stephen O’Rahilly, who led the collaboration, emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, “The baby growing in the womb is producing a hormone at levels the mother is not used to. The more sensitive she is to this hormone, the sicker she will become.”
The recent breakthrough in understanding the role of GDF15 in morning sickness offers hope for more effective treatments and preventive measures. By understanding the complexities of this hormone’s impact on maternal health during pregnancy, researchers aim to provide relief to the significant percentage of women affected by nausea and vomiting. As the scientific community continues to explore these findings, the potential for a safer and more targeted approach to managing morning sickness comes closer to realization.
