Knowledge | Study identifies the cause of morning sickness: maternal sensitivity to placental hormone GDF15
Morning sickness, which affects most pregnant women, now has a clear biological explanation. A multinational study published in Nature found that it stems from maternal hypersensitivity to a hormone called GDF15. The discovery explains a long-standing physiological question and may open new approaches to preventing and treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Southern California, the University of Cambridge, and Sri Lanka. The team found that GDF15 is produced by the fetus in the placenta and rises rapidly during pregnancy, making it a key trigger of nausea and vomiting.
Seven in ten pregnant women experience some degree of nausea and vomiting. About 2% develop the more severe condition Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), which may cause substantial weight loss, dehydration, and hospitalization. HG severely affects quality of life and increases risks such as preeclampsia and preterm birth, yet is often misdiagnosed or overlooked.
The study also identified a key variable: sensitivity to GDF15 differs among women. Those with lower GDF15 levels before pregnancy are more sensitive during pregnancy and therefore more likely to develop morning sickness. Conversely, women with the inherited blood disorder β-thalassemia, who have chronically elevated GDF15, are less likely to be affected during pregnancy.
To test the mechanism, the team measured maternal blood GDF15, analyzed genetic data, and performed experiments in mice and human cells. The results supported two potential interventions:
Gradually increasing GDF15 exposure before pregnancy to reduce hormonal sensitivity during pregnancy;
Using antibody therapy to block signaling by GDF15 or its receptor, reducing nausea and vomiting.
“This study provides strong evidence that one or both approaches could effectively prevent or treat HG,” said study author Dr. Marlena Fejzo, clinical assistant professor at Keck School of Medicine of USC.
According to The New York Times, Dr. Fejzo also experienced HG. During her second pregnancy in 1999, severe vomiting left her unable to eat or drink, but doctors believed she was exaggerating. She was hospitalized and ultimately lost the pregnancy at 15 weeks because of hyperemesis gravidarum. The experience motivated her research and helped drive important progress in the field.
The study has attracted substantial medical attention and is viewed as a potential turning point in pregnancy care. The teams are advancing clinical trials of antibody therapy and hormone-regulation strategies.
Knowledge | Study identifies the cause of morning sickness: maternal sensitivity to placental hormone GDF15
Knowledge | Study identifies the cause of morning sickness: maternal sensitivity to placental hormone GDF15
Morning sickness, which affects most pregnant women, now has a clear biological explanation. A multinational study published in Nature found that it stems from maternal hypersensitivity to a hormone called GDF15. The discovery explains a long-standing physiological question and may open new approaches to preventing and treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Southern California, the University of Cambridge, and Sri Lanka. The team found that GDF15 is produced by the fetus in the placenta and rises rapidly during pregnancy, making it a key trigger of nausea and vomiting.
Seven in ten pregnant women experience some degree of nausea and vomiting. About 2% develop the more severe condition Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), which may cause substantial weight loss, dehydration, and hospitalization. HG severely affects quality of life and increases risks such as preeclampsia and preterm birth, yet is often misdiagnosed or overlooked.
The study also identified a key variable: sensitivity to GDF15 differs among women. Those with lower GDF15 levels before pregnancy are more sensitive during pregnancy and therefore more likely to develop morning sickness. Conversely, women with the inherited blood disorder β-thalassemia, who have chronically elevated GDF15, are less likely to be affected during pregnancy.
To test the mechanism, the team measured maternal blood GDF15, analyzed genetic data, and performed experiments in mice and human cells. The results supported two potential interventions:
Gradually increasing GDF15 exposure before pregnancy to reduce hormonal sensitivity during pregnancy;
Using antibody therapy to block signaling by GDF15 or its receptor, reducing nausea and vomiting.
“This study provides strong evidence that one or both approaches could effectively prevent or treat HG,” said study author Dr. Marlena Fejzo, clinical assistant professor at Keck School of Medicine of USC.
According to The New York Times, Dr. Fejzo also experienced HG. During her second pregnancy in 1999, severe vomiting left her unable to eat or drink, but doctors believed she was exaggerating. She was hospitalized and ultimately lost the pregnancy at 15 weeks because of hyperemesis gravidarum. The experience motivated her research and helped drive important progress in the field.
The study has attracted substantial medical attention and is viewed as a potential turning point in pregnancy care. The teams are advancing clinical trials of antibody therapy and hormone-regulation strategies.
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