According to a study by British scientists, pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting are actually beneficial for both the pregnant woman and baby.
The study showed that morning sickness during pregnancy is a kind of protection against food-related illnesses. At the same time, it also helps to protect the foetus from the harmful effects of microorganisms and certain chemicals.
The scientists studied the experience of pregnant women from 21 countries to find out how their food intake was related to morning sickness and the result shows that morning sickness in the pregnant women is closely related to the intake of sugar, sweeteners, caffeine and other stimulants as well as vegetables, meat, milk and eggs. The study also revealed that cereal-related products and bean products will not cause morning sickness.
Morning sickness is usually accompanied by an aversion to foods such as meat, fish, and eggs. These foods have been found to easily carry microorganisms and parasites that are harmful to the pregnant woman and the foetus. Nausea and vomiting serve to protect the pregnant woman and the foetus from these harmful microorganisms and parasites, and at the same time signal to the expectant mother that the food she consumed may not be healthy for her body.
In addition, coffee and alcohol are found to worsen morning sickness. As caffeine and alcohol are harmful to the mother and foetal development, the pregnant woman's body will try to protect the foetus by vomiting in order to reduce these harmful substances.
Hence, morning sickness is not an absolute bad thing after all. It serves to protect the mother and the baby and also indicates to the expectant mother about what foods she should avoid.
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