Pregnancy sickness: a biopsychological perspective.

Michael S Cardwell

Journal: Obstetrical & gynecological survey 2013;67(10):645-52

PMID: 23112071

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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.

Address: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, TX 79905, USA. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1097/OGX.0b013e31826ff6c5

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