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Study finds genetic cause of extreme pregnancy sickness

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Study finds genetic cause of extreme pregnancy sickness
Key Points
  • Study in Nature Genetics identifies GDF15 as cause of extreme pregnancy sickness
  • Potential treatments include diabetes medication and new anti-nausea drugs
  • Many women report symptoms not taken seriously; up to 10% have abortions

According to Professor Marc Vaudel of the University of Bergen, the research makes it possible to find a cure for extreme pregnancy sickness. He said that if a pregnant woman receives certain types of diabetes medication before pregnancy, she may become less sensitive to the GDF15 hormone. Testing of new anti-nausea drugs is also promising, according to Jone Trovik, a professor at Haukeland University Hospital. An international conference on extreme pregnancy sickness will be held in Bergen on May 18-20.

Many women with the condition experience that their symptoms are not taken seriously, said Hilde Erdal, a researcher at the University of Bergen. She noted that not all women are offered anti-nausea medication, and that women become very ill physically and mentally, with many reporting depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts. Up to 10% of women affected have an abortion, according to Trovik.

He is absolutely everything.

Linda Watten, New mother of three

Linda Watten, who experienced extreme pregnancy sickness in all three of her pregnancies, described the condition as like having stomach flu, food poisoning and a hangover multiplied by a hundred, according to NRK Vestland. She said it is a terrible condition she would not wish on her worst enemy.

It's like having stomach flu, food poisoning and a hangover multiplied by a hundred. It's a terrible condition that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Linda Watten, New mother of three
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