Health IQ: Morning sickness has largely been unexplained — until now

What causes sickness during pregnancy?

Most people experience morning sickness during pregnancy, but what causes nausea and vomiting while expecting has largely remained a mystery. But new research published this week now offers an explanation, paving the way for the development of treatments.

A study published in the Nature journal Wednesday found that a hormone released by babies in the womb, a protein called GDF15, might be responsible for pregnancy sickness, including in its most severe form, called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

Researchers said fetal production of GDF15 and the mother’s sensitivity to it “contribute substantially” to the risk of HG.

“I think we really do now pretty much fully understand or have a very good understanding of why women get sick in pregnancy and in particular why some women get very sick in pregnancy,” Stephen O’Rahilly, a University of Cambridge professor and one of the study authors, said in an interview with Global News.

Morning sickness is a common condition that typically occurs in the first trimester or first three months of pregnancy. It can occur at any time of the day but tends to be worst in the morning.

Learn more about the findings — and the treatment opportunities.

What to know about the new federal dental plan

This past week, the federal government announced rollout plans for its new dental insurance program.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan, or CDCP, aims to give a leg up to low- and middle-income residents without private insurance.

It was born out of the Liberals’ supply-and-confidence deal with the NDP in 2022, and it offers dental care benefits directly to Canadian residents who are uninsured with a household income under $90,000.

Health Minister Mark Holland called the CDCP “transformative for our country.”

But to qualify, you must be a Canadian resident and not already have access to dental insurance.

Applications will open for seniors aged 87 and up starting this month, expanding in phases by age group over the next year.

Read more about the application process and eligibility requirements.

— THE TOPIC —

Got a sick kid? What to know before heading to the ER

— WHAT EXPERTS ARE SAYING —

Hospitals and emergency physicians are sounding the alarm on ERs that are overflowing with sick kids as respiratory illnesses ramp up.

Some are even urging parents to keep their kids at home, depending on their symptoms.

In just the past week, health officials in Alberta and Quebec have noted capacity issues at their hospitals, with the president of the Alberta Medical Association, Dr. Paul Parks, saying there were “a lot of kids being hospitalized.”

Ontario Hospital Association president Anthony Dale said this week that the province’s facilities are seeing evidence of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu creating a surge, with occupancy sitting at 97.8 per cent and intensive care at 75.8 per cent as of Dec. 3.

So how do you know if a trip to a crowded ER is necessary?

“A simple fever where a child’s active and drinking is not necessarily a reason to come to the emergency department,” according to Dr. Laurie Plotnick, medical director of the pediatric emergency department at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

“If a child is having trouble breathing, if they seem dehydrated so they’re not urinating, they’re much more lethargic than usual, they’re not drinking, they’ve had a fever that’s persisted for a long time, they need to see a health-care professional.”

While hospitals are facing strain, Edmonton emergency physician Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti told Global News parents should still trust their instincts.

“When you’re not feeling comfortable, bring your child in because you know your child better than anyone,” he said.