Pregnancy Sickness Support is thrilled to announce a monumental stride in understanding pregnancy sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), the same condition that the Princess of Wales suffered from with all three of her pregnancies. The recent study led by Cambridge University, revealing the role of the fetal hormone GDF15 in causing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, is a significant breakthrough.
Chief Executive Officer, Charlotte Howden said: “For too long, women suffering from HG have faced not only physical and emotional distress but also a lack of understanding and effective treatment options. This ground-breaking research sheds light on the complex biological interactions contributing to this debilitating condition”.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum, affecting up to 3% of pregnancies, is no mere morning sickness but a severe condition that can threaten the health of both mother and fetus. The revelation that GDF15 levels and a mother’s pre-pregnancy exposure to this hormone play crucial roles in the severity of pregnancy sickness opens new avenues for potential prevention and treatment.
This study is not just about scientific discovery; It validates the experiences of thousands of women who have suffered in silence, often misunderstood, and inadequately treated. Pregnancy Sickness Support has long advocated for more attention and research into pregnancy sickness, and this study marks a significant step in that direction.
Charlotte said: “Our mission has always been to support and empower women and birthing people suffering from HG and pregnancy sickness. This research aligns perfectly with our goals, offering new insights and possibilities for better healthcare for pregnant women”.
“We applaud the collaborative efforts of the international team involved in this research. Their dedication to understanding and improving women’s health is commendable and resonates with our commitment to providing support and raising awareness about HG”.
Pregnancy Sickness Support is now inviting healthcare professionals, researchers, and the wider community to join them in embracing these new findings and to work with the charity to establish better HG pathways whilst potential new treatments become a possibility. Together, we can translate this knowledge into improved care and support for women during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
To read more about the research and original release please from the University of Cambridge click here.
To watch the accompanying video please click here.
