Based on what is known about the biology of the TGFbeta like molecule GDF15, it has been hypothesised to play a role in the nausea and vomiting or pregnancy. In ~700 samples from the Cambridge Baby Growth study, plasma levels at 15 weeks of pregnancy are significantly associated with vomiting in the second trimester and with anti-emetic use . Indeed, analysis of hyperemesis in Biobank (John Perry) finds nominally significant results of SNPs close to the GDF15 gene

At a recent meeting, evidence was shown illustrating further support for this relationship and as a result, the proposed experiment here aims just to assess the contribution of genetic variation (in mother child) to hyperemesis in ALSPAC index mothers.

All analyses will be carried out by Laura Corbin who is in my group and who is a direct used.