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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Pregnancy sickness: a biopsychological perspective
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, TX 79905, USA. michael.cardwell@ttuhsc.edu
Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey
|November 1, 2012
Summary
Pregnancy sickness, including nausea and vomiting, is common in pregnant women. Recent studies suggest it acts as an embryo-protective mechanism, an evolutionary adaptation to safeguard the developing fetus.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Pregnancy sickness affects 70-85% of pregnant women globally.
- Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and food aversions.
- Historically misattributed to psychological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the biopsychological perspective of pregnancy sickness.
- To re-evaluate pregnancy sickness as an embryo-protective mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Review of evolutionary psychological studies.
- Analysis of biopsychological research.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy sickness is reconsidered as an adaptive trait.
- Evidence suggests it protects the embryo from environmental hazards like phytotoxins.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy sickness serves an evolutionary function.
- It is an adaptive mechanism for embryo protection.
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