Have you ever wondered why so many pregnant women experience morning sickness? It's a question that has puzzled doctors and expectant mothers alike.
Now, a new experimental study from the University of Southern California and the University of Cambridge brings us closer to the answer. The study, featured in the prestigious journal Nature, delves into the reasons behind these symptoms, which can range from mild discomfort to severe conditions endangering both mother and fetus.
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Understanding Pregnancy-Related Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting affect about 80% of pregnant women, while a more extreme version, known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), impacts around 2% and can lead to serious health concerns like weight loss and dehydration.
Central to the study's findings is the hormone GDF15, produced in the placenta. The study reveals that the severity of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is largely influenced by how sensitive a mother is to this particular hormone. The analysis indicates that women who have lower exposure to GDF15 before pregnancy are more likely to experience severe symptoms.
Interesting findings
Moreover, the researchers found an interesting genetic aspect. Women with a rare mutation that results in lower GDF15 levels are more prone to HG, unless their fetus also carries this mutation. This interplay between the mother's and fetus's hormone levels appears to be a significant factor in the development of HG.
The study's first author, Dr. Marlena Fejzo stated: "For the first time, this interaction between mother and fetus helps explain why some women get HG during some—but not all—of their pregnancies," She did not that additional research is needed to confirm their findings.
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Potential for Prevention and Treatment
This research paves the way for new preventive measures and treatments. One of the promising approaches involves exposing women to GDF15 before pregnancy to reduce the severity of symptoms. Animal studies have supported this approach, showing that mice pre-exposed to GDF15 were less likely to experience appetite loss, a common indicator of nausea.
The team is now exploring whether such exposure in humans can help in reducing or preventing HG. They're also investigating medications that can block GDF15 from interacting with brain receptors, potentially providing relief from HG and related conditions.
The implications of this study are significant, offering new hope for effective treatments and preventive strategies for women who suffer from severe illness during pregnancy.
If you are interested in more details, be sure to check out the paper published in the peer-reviewed science journal nature, listed below.
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