Hyperemesis gravidarum—Is it a cause of abnormal fetal brain development?

Publication date: August 2018Source: Reproductive Toxicology, Volume 79Author(s): Gideon Koren, Asher Ornoy, Matitiahu BerkovitchAbstractHyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is characterized by severe gestational nausea and vomiting, leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and nutritional deficits. HG adversely affects the health and wellbeing of the woman. However, the detrimental impact of HG on fetal brain development has not been addressed.We evaluate herein the emerging evidence suggesting that HG interferes with human brain development, and discuss putative mechanisms. Evidence emerges from prospective developmental studies in offspring exposed in utero to HG, from studies of pregnancy outcome after in utero exposure to famine, as well as evidence on specific nutritional deficiencies affecting fetal brain development.
Source: Reproductive Toxicology - Category: Toxicology Source Type: research