A new study claimed it uncovered the main cause of pregnancy morning sickness. But, will its findings help health experts create a cure for this condition?
The new research, which was conducted by medical experts from the University of Southern California, is a big deal for women who want to become mothers in the future.
In this photo illustration, a pregnant woman is seen standing at the office workstation on July 18, 2005, in London, England. Under plans to revise paid maternity leave, an extended period of six to nine months will be offered for maternity leave from 2007.
This is because morning sickness is one of the things they worry about. Just imagine the pain and discomfort it causes; you will have severe headaches and vomit each morning you wake up.
If you are a woman who wants to get pregnant or already experienced pregnancy, here's what the new study revealed.
New Study Uncovers Pregnancy Morning Sickness' Cause
According to The Guardian's latest report, the new study revealed that a hormone produced by the fetus is the main cause of morning sickness among pregnant women.
They are specifically referring to the hormone called "GDF15," which increases during pregnancy while the woman has naturally low levels of the hormone.
"We now know that women get sick during pregnancy when they are exposed to higher levels of the hormone GDF15 than they are used to," said the study's first author, Prof. Marlena Fejzo.
Aside from discovering links proving that GDF15 triggers vomiting and nausea during pregnancy, involved health experts also found out that exposing mothers to low levels of GDF15 can help them prepare for the hormone surge that the fetus will lead to.
They identified this potential cure after experimenting with it in mice. But, further study is needed to be conducted to determine if this technique can really prevent morning sickness.
As of writing, around 80% of females who get pregnant experience morning sickness. Others who are unlucky (around 2%) experience more serious morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).
If an effective cure for pregnancy morning sickness can be developed, it would be a great help for mothers or soon-to-be mothers across the globe.
Dealing With Pregnancy Morning Sickness
A pregnant woman during the last class of the pre-birth course in the Maternity House "Prima Luce". Here, qualified midwives teach women the importance of breastfeeding, explaining several advantages and techniques, in order to take care of their future child and their own health. They help them better prepare for the postnatal period.
Since there's no official cure for pregnancy morning sickness, the Mayo Clinic reported that the best thing that pregnant women can do is to take their daily vitamin supplement before and during pregnancy.
However, it isn't guaranteed that the vitamin supplement can prevent nausea and vomiting. Aside from this, pregnant mothers are also advised to visit doctors when they are feeling the following:
- Increasing heart beats
- Fainting or dizziness
- Unable to keep liquids down
- Unable to produce urine or produces a little urine with a dark color
Related Article: Air Pollution Allegedly Affects Male Babies' Reproductive System-Leading to Fertility Complications Once They're Adults
