A recent study has established a connection between the hormone GDF15 and severe morning sickness.

 

A recent study published in the scientific journal Nature has found a strong link between severe morning sickness symptoms during pregnancy and a specific hormone. The hormone in question is called GDF15 and is primarily produced in fetal bone marrow. The study explains that GDF15, which acts on the brainstem, is responsible for causing nausea and vomiting, which are common symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy. The researchers also noted that a full understanding of the mechanism behind these symptoms is still lacking. However, they did find that a mother's sensitivity to the hormone is determined by prior exposure. This discovery is expected to aid in the development of treatments for this condition. Lowering the levels of GDF15 or exposing pregnant women to the hormone prior to pregnancy could potentially help combat morning sickness. The study's main author, Marlena Fejzo, believes that either of these methods could be effective in preventing or treating severe morning sickness. The researchers conducted blood tests and monitored genetic risk factors in pregnant women to assess the levels of the hormone. They found that women who experienced hyperemesis, a severe form of morning sickness that hinders daily activities, had significantly higher levels of GDF15.