Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, affecting about 70% of all pregnancies. Normally, these challenging symptoms sharply decline after weeks 10-16. Many cases of nausea fall under the umbrella term “morning sickness,” though around 2% of people will experience severe and long-lasting symptoms called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).
What causes it?
Nobody knows for sure what causes typical morning sickness, but the most popularly attributed cause of nausea during pregnancy is the large and sudden changes in hormones. Thankfully, researchers in 2023 discovered the cause of HG, which is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in pregnancy. A genetic variant causes some people to have low levels of a hormone called GDF15 before pregnancy and very high levels after becoming pregnant. Research has already started to examine targeted prevention strategies.
Tips?
For a full breakdown on managing morning sickness, check out our article here.
If you’re unable to eat or drink for more than 24 hours, are vomiting multiple times per day, losing weight, are feeling dehydrated or dizzy, or just aren’t sure if your level of morning sickness is normal – be sure to reach out to your OB provider or seek more urgent help. HG often requires treatment. It may be medication you take at home or IV therapy when it’s at its worst. People suffering from HG may also need mental health support to cope with the unexpected physical demands of this pregnancy condition.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Morning Sickness: FAQ126.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 10/12/2015. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Morning sickness.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 9/18/2014. Web.
- “How Pregnancy Affects Your Sense Of Smell.” Mother&Baby. Mother&Baby, n.d. Web.
- Fejzo, M., Rocha, N., Cimino, I. et al. GDF15 linked to maternal risk of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Nature 625, 760–767 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06921-9
