Morning sickness and H. pylori

In 2015 Gastroenterology Research and Practice published a meta-analysis confirming a strong causal association between H. pylori infection and
hyperemesis gravidarum – the most severe form of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting.

H. pylori is bacteria that grows in the digestive tract and has a tendency to attack the stomach lining. H. pylori infections can be responsible for the majority of ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. This infection can lead to diseases in some people, including peptic ulcers and gastritis.

Although only a small percentage of pregnancies present with this condition, the research infers that screening for this opportunistic infection may be a valuable component of a comprehensive preconception care program to ensure smooth sailing in the early months of pregnancy.