Morning sickness affects up to 70% of pregnant women, making it one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms.[1] If you’re experiencing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about morning sickness, from when it starts to effective remedies for relief.
What Is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is a condition characterized by nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester.[2] Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of day or night.[3]
Early Signs and Symptoms of Morning Sickness
Primary Morning Sickness Symptoms
The most common symptoms of morning sickness include[4]:
- Nausea that lasts for several hours
- Inability to keep food or water down
- Vomiting more than three times a day
- Extreme weight loss (10 or more pounds)
- Severe dehydration
When Does Morning Sickness Start?
Morning sickness typically begins around 6 weeks of pregnancy, with most women experiencing symptoms before 9 weeks.[5] However, every pregnancy is different, so the timing can vary.
How Long Does Morning Sickness Last?
For most women, morning sickness duration follows this pattern[6]:
- First trimester: Symptoms start as early as 6 weeks and may feel the worst at around 8 to 10 weeks. Some women notice gradual improvement around 13 weeks.
- Second trimester: Some women experience lingering symptoms through the beginning of the second trimester (14 to 27 weeks).
- Third trimester: Most women experience complete relief from morning sickness.
- Daily duration: On a day-to-day basis, morning sickness should only last for a short time, with occasional vomiting.
What Causes Morning Sickness?
Medical experts aren’t sure what causes morning sickness but believe it’s a combination of changes in[7]:
- Metabolism
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
- Pregnancy hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness Relief
Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate morning sickness at home. Simple diet and lifestyle changes can make all the difference in the world. Doctors suggest that you[8]:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Step outside for fresh air often and keep rooms well-ventilated.
- Take all vitamins with food.
- Eat a slice of toast or a few crackers first thing in the morning to settle your stomach.
- Drink a carbonated beverage such as Ginger Ale to settle your stomach.
- Snack on protein-rich food between meals (such as cheese, yogurt, and peanut butter).
- Keep snacks on hand when you leave the house.
- Eat bland foods (such as dry toast, bananas, and applesauce). Avoid spicy, fatty foods.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages.
When to Seek Medical Help: Hyperemesis Gravidarum
While morning sickness is normal, severe symptoms may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Warning Signs of Severe Morning Sickness
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience[9]:
- Vomiting more than 3 times daily
- Signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine, rapid heartbeat)
- Significant weight loss (more than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight)
Treatment for Severe Morning Sickness
Medical treatments may include[10]:
- IV fluids to prevent dehydration
- Anti-nausea medications safe for pregnancy
- Nutritional support and monitoring
- Hospitalization in severe cases
How Long Does Morning Sickness Last After an Abortion?
Morning sickness won’t immediately stop after an abortion. One of the main side effects of the abortion pill is nausea, which can be severe.[11]
If you take the wrong dosage, the nausea can last up to a week and you may need medical treatment to stop it.[12]
If you’re considering abortion, it’s crucial to get all the facts. Choices Women’s Center offers abortion information, so you can make the best decision for your health and future.
Free Pregnancy Services in Wilson, North Carolina
Morning sickness is never fun, whether the pregnancy was planned or not. Choices Women’s Center is here to provide the care and support you deserve. We offer:
- Free pregnancy services
- Community resources and referrals
- A safe place to ask questions and process your emotions
Give us a call at (252) 237-6833 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Please note: Choices Women’s Center provides pregnancy support and information services but does not provide or refer for abortion services. All information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to have morning sickness all day long?
Yes. Despite the name “morning sickness,” it’s completely normal to experience nausea and vomiting at any time during the day.
What foods help with morning sickness?
Foods that commonly help reduce morning sickness symptoms include:
- Bland carbohydrates like crackers, toast, and rice
- Ginger in various forms (tea, candies, or supplements)
- Cold foods that don’t have strong smells
- Protein-rich snacks like cheese or nuts
- Citrus fruits or lemon water
- Small, frequent meals rather than large portions
When should I be concerned about morning sickness?
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Vomiting that prevents you from keeping any food or fluids down for 24 hours
- Weight loss of more than 5% of your pre-pregnancy weight
- Signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine, infrequent urination)
- Severe abdominal pain accompanying nausea
- Fever along with vomiting
What makes morning sickness worse?
Morning sickness can be made worse by:
- Stress and anxiety.
- Motion sickness.
- Hot weather.
- Smelling or eating certain foods.
- Being overtired.
Sources
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- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, April 5). Morning Sickness: When it Starts, Treatment & Prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16566-morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- Mayo Clinic. (2023, February 1). Misoprostol (Oral Route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/misoprostol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064805?p=1
- See source #11.