The Effects of Nausea and Vomiting on Mother and Child

Authors

Mayane Bensoussan

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects that can occur during pregnancy. On one hand, it can lead to its severe form called hyperemesis gravidarum, which can lead to hospitalization for electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, muscle weakness, or arrhythmias. On the other hand, nausea and vomiting may be an indication of a statistically healthier fetus. Benefits of maternal nausea and emesis to the developing fetus include improved neural development, decreased risk for congenital heart defects, and decreased incidence of miscarriages. Additionally, benefits to the mother include decreased risk for lung, cervical, and rectal cancer. The mothers also had an overall decreased risk for cancer. Furthermore, current first line treatments for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy were not found to be linked to a loss of fetal or maternal benefits. Two theories of the cause of nausea and emesis during pregnancy are discussed. Namely, the hCG and Estrogen mechanisms. These theories are thought to be essential to understanding both the negative and positive outcomes of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The purpose of this paper is to review the current research and analyze the positive and negative effects of nausea and vomiting to both the mother and child.

Recommended Citation

Mayane Bensoussan. (2023). The Effects of Nausea and Vomiting on Mother and Child. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 17(1), 74-79. Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol17/iss1/10