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We finally know what causes morning sickness during pregnancy

A hormone called GDF15 has been identified as the cause of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, which should lead to ways to prevent and treat the most severe cases

By Michael Le Page

8 June 2023

Photo of a young pregnant woman getting ready in the bathroom for the upcoming day; the daily routine of an expectant mother.

Around two-thirds of women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

AleksandarNakic/Getty Images

An excess level of a hormone called GDF15 is the main cause of pregnancy sickness, including the most severe cases, known as hyperemesis gravidarum. The evidence for this has been growing for the past few years and now a study combining multiple lines of evidence should settle the issue.

Crucially, the study also shows that women’s sensitivity to GDF15 depends on how much their bodies produce prior to pregnancy. The findings suggest that if those known to have a high risk …

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