Pregnancy sickness: a biopsychological perspective

Michael S. Cardwell
Obstetrical & gynecological survey · 2012 · vol. 67(10) , pp. 645–652 · doi:10.1097/ogx.0b013e31826ff6c5 · PMID:23112071 · W2318991825
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This paper presents a biopsychological perspective on pregnancy sickness, characterizing nausea and food aversions as an evolutionary adaptation designed to protect the embryo from environmental hazards rather than a psychological disturbance.

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Abstract

Pregnancy sickness is a universal phenomenon, affecting 70% to 85% of all pregnant women. The primary symptoms of pregnancy sickness are nausea, vomiting, and food aversions. In the past, pregnancy sickness was attributed to psychological disturbances of the pregnant woman. However, recent evolutionary psychological and biopsychological studies have reconsidered pregnancy sickness as an embryo-protective mechanism, an evolutionary adaptation to protect the embryo from phytotoxins and other environmental hazards. The biopsychological perspective of pregnancy sickness as an embryo-protective mechanism is presented.

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MeSH descriptors

Adaptation, Physiological Food Preferences Hormones Morning Sickness Morning Sickness Biological Evolution Diet Female Foodborne Diseases Foodborne Diseases Food Preferences Food Preferences Gastrointestinal Diseases Gastrointestinal Diseases Gastrointestinal Diseases Hormones Humans Morning Sickness Morning Sickness Pregnancy

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