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An adaptive significance of morning sickness? Trivers–Willard and Hyperemesis Gravidarum

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  • Almond, Douglas
  • Edlund, Lena
  • Joffe, Michael
  • Palme, Mårten

Abstract

Nausea during pregnancy, with or without vomiting, is a common early indication of pregnancy in humans. The severe form, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), can be fatal. The aetiology of HG is unknown. We propose that HG may be a proximate mechanism for the Trivers–Willard (T-W) evolutionary hypothesis that mothers in poor condition should favor daughters. Using Swedish linked registry data, 1987–2005, we analyze all pregnancies that resulted in an HG admission and/or a live birth, 1.65 million pregnancies in all. Consistent with the T-W hypothesis, we find that: (i) HG is associated with poor maternal condition as proxied by low education; (ii) HG in the first two months of pregnancy is associated with a 7% point increase in live girl births; and (iii) HG affected pregnancies have a 34-percent average rate of inferred pregnancy loss, higher among less educated women.

Suggested Citation

  • Almond, Douglas & Edlund, Lena & Joffe, Michael & Palme, Mårten, 2016. "An adaptive significance of morning sickness? Trivers–Willard and Hyperemesis Gravidarum," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 21(C), pages 167-171.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:21:y:2016:i:c:p:167-171
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2016.02.001
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    1. Douglas Almond & Bhashkar Mazumder, 2011. "Health Capital and the Prenatal Environment: The Effect of Ramadan Observance during Pregnancy," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 3(4), pages 56-85, October.
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    1. Douglas Almond & Janet Currie & Valentina Duque, 2018. "Childhood Circumstances and Adult Outcomes: Act II," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 56(4), pages 1360-1446, December.
    2. Schwandt, Hannes, 2017. "The Lasting Legacy of Seasonal Influenza: In-utero Exposure and Labor Market Outcomes," DaCHE discussion papers 2017:5, University of Southern Denmark, Dache - Danish Centre for Health Economics.

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