Feeling sick in early pregnancy is one of the most common experiences, and one of the most tiring. Despite the name, morning sickness does not only happen in the morning. Some women feel queasy all day, some vomit, and some barely notice it at all. This guide explains why it happens, what often helps, and how to tell when it has become more than ordinary pregnancy sickness.
What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting that many women feel during pregnancy. It is very common in the early weeks. It is unpleasant, but ordinary morning sickness does not put your baby at increased risk, and it usually clears up by around weeks 16 to 20 of pregnancy.
When does it start and how long does it last?
- Start: usually around week 4 to 6 of pregnancy.
- Peak: often in the first trimester, around weeks 8 to 12.
- Improvement: most women feel better after the first 3 months.
- Longer duration: for some women, sickness continues for longer, and a few have it until late in pregnancy.
What causes it?
The exact cause is not known. Hormonal changes in early pregnancy are thought to play a major role. Other things can make it worse: an empty stomach, tiredness, strong smells, and some foods.
You may be more likely to have morning sickness if:
- It is your first pregnancy
- You are expecting twins or more
- Morning sickness runs in your family, or you had it in a previous pregnancy
- You tend to get motion sickness, such as car sickness
Not having morning sickness is also normal. Many healthy pregnancies have no sickness at all.
What can help at home?
There is no single treatment that works for every woman, and every pregnancy is different. These steps help many women:
Eat in a way that settles the stomach
- Keep something plain by the bed, such as dry toast or a plain biscuit, and eat it slowly before you get up.
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of three large ones. An empty stomach can make nausea worse.
- Choose bland, easy foods such as rice, bread, bananas, potatoes, and crackers.
- Try protein snacks between meals, such as yoghurt, cheese, or nuts, if they stay down well.
- Avoid foods that are very spicy, fatty, or strongly flavoured, if they make you feel worse.
Stay hydrated
- Take small sips of water, cold drinks, or ice chips throughout the day.
- Try drinking between meals rather than with meals.
- If plain water makes you feel sick, a slice of lemon or a cold herbal tea can help.
Reduce triggers
- Notice which smells, foods, or places make you feel worse, and avoid them where possible.
- Get fresh air, and open windows while cooking.
- Ask someone else to cook for a while if cooking smells trigger nausea.
Rest and move gently
- Get plenty of rest, because tiredness can make nausea worse.
- Get up slowly in the morning.
- A short, gentle walk can help some women feel better.
Ginger, wristbands, and vitamin B6
- Ginger (tea, biscuits, or fresh ginger) helps some women. There is some evidence that it can reduce nausea. If you want to use ginger supplements, ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
- Acupressure wristbands are safe for most women. Some find them helpful, but the evidence is mixed.
- Vitamin B6 is sometimes recommended by doctors, sometimes together with another medicine. Do not start it, or any other supplement, without medical advice.
Prenatal vitamins
If your prenatal vitamin makes you feel sick, try taking it with a snack or in the evening, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is a more suitable option. Do not stop folic acid without advice.
Protect your teeth
Vomiting brings stomach acid into the mouth. After being sick, rinse your mouth with water, and wait about 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging the enamel.
Anti-sickness medicine
If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor or midwife can offer anti-sickness medicine that is considered suitable in pregnancy. Do not take any medicine for nausea without asking a healthcare professional first.
When it may be more than ordinary morning sickness
A severe form of pregnancy sickness is called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). It is much worse than regular morning sickness. It can lead to dehydration and weight loss, and it often needs treatment, sometimes in hospital. Unlike ordinary morning sickness, HG may not get better by week 16 to 20.
Speak to your doctor or midwife if you:
- Cannot keep down food or drink for most of the day
- Vomit many times a day, day after day
- Are losing weight
- Feel dizzy, faint, or very weak
- Pass very little urine, or your urine is dark
- Find that sickness is stopping you from doing your daily activities or working
- Have sickness that starts later in pregnancy, rather than in the first weeks
Get urgent medical help if you:
- Cannot keep any fluids down for 24 hours
- Vomit blood, or have blood in your vomit
- Have severe stomach pain, a fever, or feel confused
- Have vaginal bleeding together with sickness
Getting help early can help you avoid dehydration and weight loss. You do not have to suffer in silence.
Looking after your mind
Constant sickness is exhausting, and it is normal to feel low, anxious, or guilty. It is not your fault, and it does not mean you are not coping. Ask your partner, family, or friends to help with meals and housework, and tell your doctor or midwife if you feel overwhelmed.
Frequently asked questions
Does morning sickness harm my baby?
Ordinary morning sickness does not put your baby at increased risk. Severe sickness can affect your health if it leads to dehydration or weight loss, which is why it needs treatment.
If I feel less sick one day, does it mean something is wrong?
Symptoms often change from day to day. If they stop suddenly and you also have bleeding or pain, contact your doctor.
Is morning sickness a sign of a boy or a girl?
No. There is no scientific evidence that morning sickness predicts the sex of the baby.
Can I still exercise?
Gentle activity such as short walks is usually fine, if you feel able and your doctor has no concerns. Rest when you need to.
What should I eat if I cannot keep anything down?
Try tiny amounts of cold or plain foods and small sips of fluids. If you still cannot keep anything down for 24 hours, seek medical help.
Sources and further reading
- NHS, Severe vomiting in pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum)
- nidirect (Northern Ireland government), Vomiting and morning sickness in pregnancy
This article is for general education and does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife. If you are worried about your health or your baby's, contact a healthcare professional. See our Disclaimer.
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