Study reveals why nausea and food aversions during pregnancy are actually healthy

New research from UCLA suggests that morning sickness is not just discomfort — it’s an evolved immune system response that protects both mother and foetus during early pregnancy. (Image: Pexels)

If you’re one of the many expectant mums who have faced the dreaded morning sickness, know that it is healthy.  The nausea and those food aversions are actually signs that your body is working hard to protect your baby. A recent research from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) reveals that these symptoms are not random discomfort, but a finely tuned immune system response shaped by evolution. It helps both mother and foetus thrive during early pregnancy.
Morning sickness has long been a source of mystery and discomfort, affecting up to 80% of pregnant women. While often try to ignore it as an unfortunate side effect, a recent study led by anthropologists at UCLA uncovers a clever biological reason behind these symptoms. The research suggests that nausea, vomiting, and aversions to certain foods and smells are linked to the body’s immune system launching a delicate balancing act, one that defends the mother and her developing foetus without causing harm. It’s a remarkable example of nature’s own protective strategy, evolved over millennia.

The study, published in Evolution, Medicine and Public Health, involved tracking immune molecules called cytokines in pregnant women and linking these with reported morning sickness symptoms. The team discovered that women who experienced nausea or aversions, particularly to smells like tobacco or foods such as meat, showed signs of a heightened inflammatory immune response. This response helps keep potentially harmful pathogens and toxins at bay during the critical first and second trimesters, when the foetus is most vulnerable.

Also Read: Morning sickness: Symptoms, triggers and effective home remedies to avoid pregnancy complications

Here’s why  morning sickness is an immune system response: 

A protective immune balancing act: Pregnancy forces a tricky adjustment on the immune system, which normally attacks anything foreign. Since the foetus is half foreign genetically, the immune system must carefully avoid rejecting it, while still defending against infections. Morning sickness appears to be part of this balancing act, signalling a healthy immune response.

Warning system through nausea and aversions: Nausea and food aversions push mothers away from harmful foods that could carry bacteria or toxins, like undercooked meat or smoke. This natural aversion acts as an extra layer of protection for both mother and child.

Helps in human pregnancy: Humans have a unique and invasive placenta, meaning fetal cells are in close contact with maternal blood. This demands special immune strategies to prevent rejection. Morning sickness symptoms seem to be part of this evolutionary adaptation.

Also Read: Pregnancy tips: 7 simple exercises for safe, natural delivery

Implications for modern workplaces: Understanding morning sickness as a normal, healthy response could reduce stigma for pregnant women, encouraging workplaces to adopt more sensible accommodations and support during early pregnancy.

FAQs on Morning Sickness and Healthy Pregnancy:

What causes morning sickness?
Morning sickness is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, specifically the increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen levels, which affect the digestive system and the body's response to certain smells and foods.

When does morning sickness typically start and end?
Morning sickness usually begins around the 6th week of pregnancy and often subsides by the end of the first trimester, although some women may experience it throughout their pregnancy.

Is morning sickness harmful to the baby?
No, morning sickness is not harmful to the baby. In fact, it is a sign that your body is protecting the developing foetus.

What can I do to alleviate morning sickness?
You can try eating smaller, frequent meals, staying hydrated, avoiding strong smells, and resting. Ginger, vitamin B6 supplements, and acupressure may also help reduce symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.