TL;DR: If pregnancy nausea has you curled up on the couch, meet the GDF15 hormone—a powerful signal behind that queasy feeling. Made by the placenta, GDF15 surges in early pregnancy and sends signals to your brain that can trigger nausea and vomiting. Although it may feel miserable, this hormone plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy pregnancy. Everyone responds to the GDF15 hormone in pregnancy differently, and learning how it works can help you feel more informed and in control. You’re not imagining it—GDF15 morning sickness is backed by real science.
What Is GDF15?
GDF15 stands for “Growth Differentiation Factor 15.” It’s a hormone that belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) family.
While it's produced in various tissues, during pregnancy, the GDF15 hormone is mostly made by the placenta, the special organ that connects you and your baby.(1,2)
GDF15 hormone in pregnancy rises dramatically in your bloodstream and even in the fluid around your brain, especially during the first trimester.(2)
Scientists believe this hormone helps your body manage stress, adapt to metabolic shifts, and may even help protect the pregnancy from your immune system.(1)
Does GDF15 Cause Morning Sickness in Pregnancy?
Yes, the GDF15 hormone plays a major role in causing morning sickness during pregnancy.
But how?
GDF15 travels through your blood to the brainstem, where it activates what’s often called the "vomiting center."
Once triggered, this center can bring on nausea or even make you throw up.(3,4)
Studies show that women with higher levels of GDF15 are more likely to experience intense symptoms, including severe forms of pregnancy vomiting.(3,4)
What’s more, the level of GDF15 hormone you had before pregnancy may affect how sensitive you are to the sudden surge once you’re expecting.
If your body isn’t used to high levels, you may be more likely to feel sick.
How Is GDF15 Different from hCG?
You’ve probably heard of hCG, another pregnancy hormone.
Like GDF15, hCG is made by the placenta and rises early in pregnancy. But they do different things.
While hCG is the hormone picked up by pregnancy tests and helps maintain early pregnancy, the GDF15 hormone in pregnancy is more directly linked to symptoms like morning sickness and nausea. In fact, recent research suggests GDF15 morning sickness is more closely tied to symptom severity than hCG ever was.(1,3)
What’s an Ideal GDF15 Level in Pregnancy?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to GDF15 hormone levels.
Levels rise steadily throughout pregnancy, sometimes reaching up to 200 times what they were before conception.(2,5)
A higher level of the GDF15 hormone isn’t necessarily bad—it’s often part of a healthy pregnancy.(3,4)
But very high levels can be associated with more intense nausea3,4 while very low levels may be linked to complications like miscarriage.(6)
Think of it like Goldilocks: not too much, not too little—just right.
What Causes High GDF15?
Most of the time, high GDF15 hormone levels are a normal part of pregnancy. But some factors can push it even higher:
-
Carrying a girl: Studies suggest women expecting a female fetus tend to have higher GDF15.(2,5)
- Genetics: Your DNA might naturally drive your body to produce more.(7)
- Stress or illness: As a stress-response hormone, the GDF15 hormone can increase when the body is under strain.(1)
- Weight and health conditions: The relationship between body mass and the GDF15 hormone is still being explored, but it can also play a role.(5)
Interestingly, people with certain blood disorders often have chronically high GDF15 hormone levels and report less pregnancy nausea, possibly because their bodies are more accustomed to it.(3)
What Causes Low GDF15?
Though uncommon, low GDF15 hormone levels in pregnancy can happen. Women with lower early levels of this hormone may face a higher risk of miscarriage or issues with placental development.(6)
Genetic differences might also lead to lower production. So while too much can bring nausea, too little might mean the body isn’t getting the support it needs.
How Can You Support the GDF15 Hormone Naturally During Pregnancy?
While you can’t directly control the GDF15 hormone in pregnancy, you can take steps to support your body through the transition:(1)
- Eat regular, balanced meals: Nutrients can influence GDF15 hormone levels, so small, frequent meals with protein, carbs, and healthy fats can help.
- Stay hydrated: Fluids can ease nausea and help your body manage hormonal changes.
- Manage stress: Since GDF15 responds to stress, good sleep and relaxation techniques may help keep levels more stable.
- Talk to your healthcare provider: If you're dealing with intense nausea or vomiting, a GDF15 hormone test may provide insight. Ask your healthcare provider if a GDF15 test could be helpful in understanding your symptoms and guiding treatment.
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The Bottom Line
Feeling nauseous during pregnancy is incredibly common, and the GDF15 hormone is a big reason why.
Made by the placenta, this hormone signals the brain to cause nausea and vomiting, especially in the first trimester. While high levels of GDF15 hormone in pregnancy can bring on discomfort, they also play a protective role for you and your baby.
Everyone’s experience is unique, and the role the GDF15 hormone plays in experiencing icky pregnancy symptoms is just one piece of the story.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, know you’re not alone. Understanding the role of the GDF15 hormone helps turn confusion into clarity—and gives you one more tool to navigate this wild and wonderful journey.
Ready to learn more? Read our Morning Sickness Guide for more valuable insight into your pregnancy!
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35218128/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34043633/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38092039/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40159877/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33547817/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37766993/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30258246/
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.