GDF15 culprit: it is now clear why many pregnant women get sick
An international study reveals that a hormone produced by the baby is responsible for morning sickness. And it shows which women are particularly affected. This provides new treatment ideas.
Flat stomach, nausea, vomiting: Most women are familiar with the symptoms of so-called morning sickness - around 70 to 80 per cent suffer from it in the first trimester of pregnancy. Two per cent even suffer so much that they can hardly eat for weeks, lose weight and are at risk of dehydration. Doctors refer to this as "hyperemesis gravidum".
Two hormone variants, only one triggers nausea
The research team was also able to distinguish between two GDF15 variants in the mother's blood. One comes from the mother's side of the placenta, one from the baby's side. However, only the hormone produced by the foetus triggers the nausea.
Hyposensitisation to combat the symptoms
Another possibility would be to block the receptors in the brain that are responsible for the nausea. This approach is already being researched in anorexia sufferers.
One way or another, the new study offers new opportunities for many women to finally treat the causes rather than just the symptoms of morning sickness. "Now we have a clear idea of what the cause of the problem is and we have a way forward, both for treatment and prevention," says study co-author Stephen O'Rahilly from the University of Cambridge
Caption photo: Shutterstock
Mom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.
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