The proximate mechanisms underlying gestational nausea and vomiting have been intensively studied, but the possibility that the symptoms themselves serve a useful function has only recently been considered seriously. We synthesized evidence to evaluate various hypotheses for the adaptive significance of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, as well as the possibility that symptoms are nonfunctional byproducts of pregnancy hormones. We found greatest support for the hypothesis that normal levels of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (excluding hyperemesis) protect pregnant women and their embryos from harmful substances in food, particularly pathogenic microorganisms in meat products and toxins in strong-tasting plants. We discuss the data that support critical predictions of this "maternal and embryo protection hypothesis" (and contradict other hypotheses), as well as appropriate implications of these results. Knowledge that normal nausea and vomiting of pregnancy indicates the functioning of a woman's defense system, rather than a bodily malfunction, may reassure patients and enable health care providers to develop new ways of minimizing the uncomfortable symptoms. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:$190-7.) Key words: Adaptation, evolution,'prophylaxis, plant toxins, microorganisms, diet "Morning sickness" is the common term for gestational nausea and vomiting. It is a complete misnomer. The uncomfortable symptoms occur throughout Waking hours, not just in the morning, and whereas "sickness" implies disease, healthy women experience the symptoms and bear healthy babies. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is more appropriate, descriptive, and objective.This article briefly summarizes our current understanding of the evolutionary significance of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Detailed data and analyses are presented elsewhere. 1, 2 The nausea and vomiting of pregnancy symptoms experienced by 90% to 95% of women do not fit the definition of"disease" (ie, "a departure from health" or "a condition that impairs a vital function"). Neither are they manifestations of physiological frailty in response to metabolic demands of pregnancy. Rather, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is an intricate mechanism that probably evolved to serve a useful function: protecting the pregnant woman and embryo from food-borne infections and toxins. Within the normal range of symptoms, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is appropriately considered as an adaptation. This does not imply that pregnant women should forgo treaunent of Neurobiology & Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. © 2002, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. 0002-9378/2002 $35.00 + 0 6/0/122593 doi: l O. 1067~mob. 2002 debilitating symptoms or avoid eating meats and vegetables. Rather, the implication is that normal levels of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy will not harm the embryo or mother and may even be beneficial to both. We hope this insight will be of some comfort to women experiencing nausea and vomiting of pregnancy a n d lead to new ways of minimizing the symp...