Morning sickness seen as protective mechanism

For many years the precise reason for morning sickness in pregnant women has eluded doctors. However new research carried out in the US suggests that it may actually protect both mother and unborn child. Previous theories on the reason for morning sickness proposed that it was either a reaction to the mother and child sharing nutrients or that it assists in healthy pregnancies. However, biologists and authors of the new study Samuel Flaxman, and Paul Sherman point out that other mammals do not experience the same phenomenon and therefore discount the nutrients sharing theory and many women do not experience morning sickness at all and still give birth to healthy babies so discount the second theory.

The two researchers believe that morning sickness is in fact a natural method to protect mothers and their developing foetuses from any dangers that the body senses as it often occurs is when a women smells, tastes, or sees certain foods such as meats and vegetables, along with alcohol and smoke from cigarettes.

They highlight the fact morning sickness is often triggered when food is eaten that contains harmful pesticides or when alcohol is taken in by the mother.

Dr Flaxman told LiveScience: "To say that morning sickness is uncomfortable is a real understatement, and a lot of people are looking at ways to deal with it. But if nausea and vomiting truly serve a useful function, then one has to look more carefully at strategies for dealing with these symptoms."