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Hyperemesis Gravidarum

All articles tagged with #hyperemesis gravidarum

Metformin Reimagined: A 100-Year-Old Drug Tackles Hyperemesis Gravidarum
health1 month ago

Metformin Reimagined: A 100-Year-Old Drug Tackles Hyperemesis Gravidarum

A health feature follows researchers and patients exploring metformin, a diabetes drug, as a potential preventive treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) by modulating the nausea-related hormone GDF15. Early observational data suggest taking metformin before conception may significantly reduce HG risk, with clinical trials in the works. The drug’s affordability, safety history, and broad off-label use—ranging from fertility in PCOS to obesity and potential antiaging effects—have spurred widespread interest, though more rigorous research is needed. The piece also shares the lived experience of HG and a patient hopeful that metformin could improve future pregnancies.

Genetic trigger for extreme pregnancy nausea identified in largest study to date
health1 month ago

Genetic trigger for extreme pregnancy nausea identified in largest study to date

A multi-ancestry genome-wide study links hyperemesis gravidarum (extreme pregnancy nausea) most strongly to the GDF15 gene, with several additional genes involved in insulin signaling and appetite. The findings move away from hCG and estrogen as primary causes and suggest GDF15 as the main driver of HG across diverse populations, opening avenues for new therapies (including metformin-based trials to desensitize against GDF15). The condition currently has no FDA-approved treatments, and researchers hope these insights guide diagnosis, prevention, and targeted therapies.

Genetic map of severe pregnancy nausea uncovers 10 risk loci across diverse populations
science1 month ago

Genetic map of severe pregnancy nausea uncovers 10 risk loci across diverse populations

A multi-ancestry GWAS of hyperemesis gravidarum (10,974 cases, 461,461 controls) identifies ten loci, including four known (GDF15, IGFBP7, PGR, GFRAL) and six new ones (SLITRK1, SYN3, IGSF11, FSHB, TCF7L2, CDH9); functional analyses show GDF15 and TCF7L2 activity in extravillous trophoblasts with opposing maternal vs fetal effects for GDF15, while IGFBP7 and PGR act mainly via the maternal genome in spiral arteries; loci link to pregnancy weight gain, duration, birth weight and preeclampsia, with additional signals involving antisense IGFBP7-AS1 and ACP1. The study draws on data from 23andMe, MoBa, Estonian Biobank, Genes and Health and others, and provides data and code access for replication and further exploration of appetite, insulin signaling and brain plasticity pathways.

Surprise Naturally Pregnant After Five Years Battling Infertility
lifestyle3 months ago

Surprise Naturally Pregnant After Five Years Battling Infertility

Caitlin Wright, who chronicled her five-year infertility journey online, tells People she conceived naturally at the end of December after multiple fertility steps (four IUIs and an egg retrieval). She’s now in her first trimester with a second child and again dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum, crediting her care team and supportive online communities for helping her through the journey.

Severe pregnancy sickness drives Welsh woman toward sterilisation
health4 months ago

Severe pregnancy sickness drives Welsh woman toward sterilisation

A 26-year-old from Newport with hyperemesis gravidarum says extreme pregnancy sickness nearly forced an abortion and she is now pursuing sterilisation after finding access to Xonvea, an anti-sickness drug not routinely funded in Wales, difficult; campaigners argue the drug’s cost is offset by reduced hospitalisations, while AWMSG has not approved routine use due to cost-effectiveness concerns. GPs can prescribe Xonvea in certain cases, and its price is £28.50 for a 20‑tablet box; the drug’s limited availability has spurred calls for broader access as patients and doctors weigh future pregnancy decisions.

"Morning Sickness Myths and Misdiagnoses: The Urgent Need for Better Care"
health2 years ago

"Morning Sickness Myths and Misdiagnoses: The Urgent Need for Better Care"

Pregnant women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe form of morning sickness, are often dismissed by doctors despite the condition being potentially life-threatening. Geneticist Marlena Fejzo highlights the serious risks associated with HG, including malnutrition and long-term health issues for both mother and child. Fejzo calls for better recognition and treatment of HG, noting that recent studies have identified the hormone GDF15 as a key factor, which could lead to new treatment approaches.

"Time Woman of the Year Takes Charge: Uncovering the Cause of Her Morning Sickness"
health-pregnancy2 years ago

"Time Woman of the Year Takes Charge: Uncovering the Cause of Her Morning Sickness"

Geneticist Marlena Fezjo, who suffered from severe morning sickness during her second pregnancy, was initially dismissed by her doctor. She later discovered the genetic cause of her condition, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), and is now opening a healthcare center to support women with underdiagnosed health conditions. Fezjo's research identified a genetic risk factor for HG and aims to use this information to predict and prevent the condition in the future.

"Pregnant Teacher's Tragic End Amid Severe Morning Sickness"
health-pregnancy2 years ago

"Pregnant Teacher's Tragic End Amid Severe Morning Sickness"

A pregnant primary school teacher, Jessica Cronshaw, tragically took her own life at 28 weeks pregnant after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), the same extreme morning sickness experienced by Kate Middleton. Medical staff failed to notice the decline in her mental health and incorrectly advised her about the safety of a medication, leading to a deterioration in her mental health. The coroner supported the family's campaign for more awareness and information about the impact of HG and emphasized the need for improved care and treatment for women suffering from this condition.

"Pregnant Teacher's Tragic Suicide Linked to Severe Morning Sickness"
health-pregnancy2 years ago

"Pregnant Teacher's Tragic Suicide Linked to Severe Morning Sickness"

A pregnant primary school teacher, Jessica Cronshaw, tragically took her own life after being wrongly advised by a midwife that her medication for acute morning sickness was harming her unborn child. Jessica, who suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, was found hanged at 28 weeks pregnant, and her daughter, Elsie, was born prematurely and died four days later. Her family has been campaigning for greater mental health support for pregnant women, and the Health Secretary has announced new support for mothers-to-be across England. The inquest revealed missed opportunities by medical professionals and highlighted the enormous mental and emotional toll that pregnancy and birth can have on women.

"Unveiling the Cause of Morning Sickness: A Potential Remedy on the Horizon"
health2 years ago

"Unveiling the Cause of Morning Sickness: A Potential Remedy on the Horizon"

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe form of morning sickness affecting around 2 percent of pregnant individuals, has been linked to the hormone GDF15, with breakthrough research offering hope for effective treatments. Despite its severity, HG is often dismissed and underfunded, leading to inadequate support and awareness. The condition can lead to dehydration, weight loss, miscarriage, and even life-threatening conditions for both mother and baby. Promising drugs targeting GDF15 are in the pipeline, offering potential relief for those suffering from HG.

"Hormonal Breakthrough: Scientists Uncover Root Cause of Morning Sickness"
health2 years ago

"Hormonal Breakthrough: Scientists Uncover Root Cause of Morning Sickness"

New research has identified a hormone that may be responsible for severe morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum (H.G.), which affects about 2 percent of pregnant women. This condition can lead to malnutrition and hospitalization. The discovery offers hope for new treatments, potentially including a preventative approach to increase hormone levels before pregnancy and strategies to block the hormone's effects during pregnancy. The research is particularly significant as it addresses a condition that has been understudied and often dismissed as psychological, providing a biological basis for the severe nausea and vomiting experienced by some pregnant women.

Unveiling the Cause of Severe Morning Sickness: A Breakthrough Discovery
health2 years ago

Unveiling the Cause of Severe Morning Sickness: A Breakthrough Discovery

Scientists have discovered a possible cause for extreme morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Geneticist Marlena Fejzo and her colleagues have identified two genes, GDF15 and IGFBP7, that are involved in the condition. The GDF15 gene produces a hormone that causes nausea and vomiting, and individuals with lower pre-pregnancy levels of this hormone are more likely to experience severe symptoms. This discovery opens up potential avenues for more effective treatments, such as building up a tolerance for GDF15 prior to pregnancy or using drugs currently being tested for cancer cachexia. It is important for pregnant individuals suffering from nausea and vomiting to seek medical attention and find healthcare providers who take their symptoms seriously.

Unveiling the Cause of Morning Sickness: Scientists Offer Hope for a Cure
health2 years ago

Unveiling the Cause of Morning Sickness: Scientists Offer Hope for a Cure

Scientists have identified a protein called GDF15, released by the fetus, as a potential cause of severe morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The severity of symptoms is linked to the amount of GDF15 produced by the placenta and released into the mother's bloodstream. Researchers believe that enhancing a woman's tolerance to this hormone before pregnancy may prevent sickness. A rare genetic variation that increases susceptibility to HG has also been identified. Understanding the cause of HG brings hope for developing effective treatments to alleviate the condition.

"Kate Middleton's Pregnancy News Sparks Hope for Morning Sickness Cure"
health2 years ago

"Kate Middleton's Pregnancy News Sparks Hope for Morning Sickness Cure"

Kate Middleton, who has experienced hyperemesis gravidarum during her pregnancies, has received exciting news regarding effective treatments for morning sickness. A recent study has found that a hormone produced by the human fetus is to blame for morning sickness in pregnant women, potentially paving the way for prevention and treatment. Nausea and vomiting affect approximately 70% of pregnant women, and researchers hope that understanding the cause of hyperemesis gravidarum will lead to the development of effective treatments.