Morning Sickness May Help Protect Embryos

Far from being a mere nuisance, morning sickness may actively protect embryos, LiveScience reports. Doctors have long recognized the association of morning sickness and a healthy pregnancy, but new research suggests the condition evolved to protect embryos from dangerous environmental factors.

The findings could have important implications for treatment of morning sickness, said a researcher: "If nausea and vomiting truly serve a useful function, then one has to look more carefully at strategies for dealing with these symptoms." (More prenatal care stories.)