The Upside of Morning Sickness

Posted on Apr 18, 2012 | Blog Posts, Morning Sickness News Category | | Print This Article

photo credit: Nina Matthews Photography

Morning sickness isn’t something you’re usually thrilled about, but according to one new study it probably should be. The study suggests that morning sickness may actually be an indicator that your baby is going to score higher on IQ tests later on if you have morning sickness.

The study, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, was designed to examine the possible effects of anti-nausea medications during pregnancy. In particular, the study looked at diclectin, which is a drug sometimes prescribed for women with severe morning sickness.

The study found that the drug diclectin did not endanger the mental acuity of children born to women who took it during pregnancy. This was good news, as there have been so few anti-nausea medications that have been proven o be safe during pregnancy.

One of the surprising results of the study, however, showed that the children who were born to mothers who experienced morning sickness scored higher on IQ tests and tests of mental acuity.

Morning sickness a positive sign

There have been other studies over the years that suggest morning sickness is positive in other ways. In particular, some research suggests that moms who have morning sickness are less likely to miscarry, and that they are also less likely to have a baby that has cardiovascular problems.

This doesn’t mean, of course, that the absence of morning sickness is dangerous. It doesn’t mean your child is going to be born with a heart defect, or that she’s not going to perform as well in school.

And, to be sure, more research is needed. The studies involving miscarriage, in particular, have been somewhat conflicting, and many doctors and other experts don’t believe that there is a causal relationship between morning sickness and miscarriage.

Still, perhaps the research here offers at least some comfort. Just remember, while you’re doubled over with nausea, trying not to lose your lunch: your suffering might well indicate that you’re carrying the next Einstein.

So, what do you think? Is morning sickness a good indicator of whether your baby will be born healthy, happy, and smart?

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