Analysis of the correlation between morning sickness and rhesus status in pregnant women in Nigeria

Erythroblastosis fetalis is a haemolytic disease of the rhesus negative [Rh-] mother after the first gestation of a[Rh+] neonate. Morning sickness (MS) describes a series of neuro-endocrine disturbances characterized by nausea, hyperemesis gravidarum, nutritional selectivity, general debility, confusion and sometimes coma, especially in early pregnancy. It may be mild, moderate or severe and if managed unprofessionally may lead to teratogenicity, recurrent abortion or persistent neonatal death. The influence of the Rhesus negative factor on the intensity of MS was studied in 100 [Rh-] mothers. Another sample of 100 mothers served as control. The studied women were drawn from different social and tribal backgrounds. The study was conducted via questionnaires, personal interviews and medical history of the subjects obtained with their oral consent and that of their doctors. Data analysis showed that about 70% of the [Rh-] negative women belonged to blood group O, 22% to A, 40% to B, and 2% to AB. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the intensity and duration of MS between the test and control groups. Using the number of MS cases as an index, there were 90% cases of MS in [Rh-] test and 88% cases in [Rh+] control groups respectively. The number of live births for each group was similar with 262 and 194 for [Rh+] mothers and [Rh-] ones submitted to IgG Anti D (Rhagam) therapy. This study has established higher incidence of [Rh-] factor in blood group O in the sample population. It did not establish any relationship between the intensity of MS and Rhesus negative pregnant women. We, therefore, conclude that MS is independent of Rhesus status in pregnant women.