What Causes Morning Sickness? New Study Pinpoints Hormone

A new study has identified a genetic cause for pregnant women with severe morning sickness, offering new hope for those who experience the condition.

More Than Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is very common in early pregnancy. Over two-thirds of women experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester. The symptoms typically get better or disappear in the second and third trimesters.

However, if vomiting is severe and persists throughout the pregnancy, it can cause malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, and increase the risk of miscarriage and blood clots. Known as hyperemesis gravidarum, severe morning sickness affects approximately two percent of women and often requires hospitalization.

In the new research, pregnant women with severe morning sickness and vomiting were found to have significantly higher blood levels of a hormone called GDF15 than women with no symptoms. The hormone stimulates the part of the brain responsible for vomiting and nausea.

The discovery offers hope for treating extreme morning sickness. For example, new medications to block the hormone’s effects in the brain or exposing women at risk for hyperemesis to low doses of the hormone before they become pregnant. More research is needed before these treatments are developed and proven safe during pregnancy, but they offer a targeted approach.

Tips for Managing Morning Sickness

While women wait for more advanced treatments, Pamela Hetrick, CNM, Division Chief of Midwifery and a senior certified nurse midwife at University Hospitals, offers her advice for dealing with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

“I always like to remind my patients that the first trimester is often survival mode with nausea and vomiting. Eat and drink what you can tolerate and typically by the second trimester you’ll feel like your old self,” says Hetrick.

“Even though you might not feel like eating and drinking, staying hydrated is key. Take small sips of room temperature fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration. And try eating small, frequent meals that include fresh fruit, lean proteins and bland foods to help with nausea,” she adds.

Additional recommendations include:

• Food or beverages that contain ginger such as ginger ale or ginger tea are safe during pregnancy and may help ease nausea. Check with your provider before taking ginger supplements.
• SeaBands, elastic wristbands that apply pressure to your inner arm near your wrist, may provide some patients with relief from nausea.
• Get outside in the fresh air. Even if you don’t feel like it, fresh air and sunshine really can be beneficial for nausea.
• Over-the-counter and prescription medications may be recommended by your healthcare provider.

“Remember, you know your body best,” says Hetrick. “Do what you feel is right for you. Even though it may be difficult, try to remain positive and know that morning sickness symptoms are usually short-lived and there are many remedies available to alleviate your symptoms.”

If nausea or vomiting is severe or persists beyond 16 weeks of pregnancy, always bring this to the attention of your healthcare provider.

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University Hospitals has a wide network of women’s health providers at convenient locations across Northeast Ohio. Our experts have the training and experience to help women achieve a safe, healthy pregnancy and manage symptoms such as morning sickness.