Nausea and vomiting are among the most common symptoms of early pregnancy. ACOG estimates they affect up to 70 to 80% of pregnant women. Despite the name, morning sickness can happen at any time of day.
When does morning sickness start and end?
It usually starts before 9 weeks of pregnancy. For most people it eases by around 12 to 14 weeks, although some have symptoms until about 20 weeks or, less often, for longer. It is thought to be linked to rising pregnancy hormones, including hCG.
Tips that can help
- Eat small meals or snacks often, so your stomach is never empty.
- Try plain, dry foods such as crackers or toast, especially before getting up.
- Sip water or other drinks little and often through the day.
- Avoid smells and foods that trigger your nausea, and get fresh air.
- Ginger, for example in biscuits or tea, helps some people.
- Rest when you can: tiredness can make nausea worse.
Medicines
If lifestyle changes are not enough, talk to your doctor. ACOG recommends vitamin B6, alone or combined with doxylamine, as a first treatment. Several other anti-sickness medicines are safe in pregnancy. Do not take any medicine without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
When to get help
A small number of people develop hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy sickness. Contact your doctor straight away if you:
- cannot keep any food or fluids down for 24 hours
- have very dark urine or have not passed urine for 8 hours or more
- feel dizzy or faint when you stand up
- are losing weight
- vomit blood or have tummy pain or a fever