You’re more likely to suffer morning sickness in pregnancy if your own mum did too
Morning sickness may have genetic link
Mums-to-be are three times more likely to have serious morning sickness if their own mums suffered with the condition, a study in Norway has found.
Serious morning sickness affects thousands of women in the UK in the early stages of pregnancy. Previous studies have attributed morning sickness to "psychological causes" but Patrick O'Brien, spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said the study of 2.3 million pregnancies added to growing evidence that the condition was linked to a "genetic predisposition".
While morning sickness is common, serious morning sickness (Hyperemesis Gravidarum) is relatively rare, leading to dehydration and weight loss because mums-to-be can’t keep food or water down. It can also cause low birth weight and premature birth.
"It can be extremely debilitating, women can't work, can't look after their families and they need to be admitted to hospital,” said Dr Catherine Nelson-Piercy, a consultant obstetric physician at Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation Trust.
"It is safe to take anti-sickness drugs and it's better for the baby and the pregnancy to treat this condition than let the woman get very severely ill and risk complications,” she also said.
If you’re trying to beat the morning sickness check out our breakfast ideas, helpful scents and products available to alleviate symptoms. Get some tips from your mum about her experience or ask other mums-to be on our forum.
