“Morning sickness” - What is it?

September 18, 20264 MinutesParenting Tips & Support

Emily Murphy

Registered Midwife

Despite the name, morning sickness can happen at any time of the day or night! It's one of the most common pregnancy symptoms and can range from feeling slightly queasy to being sick several times a day.

For most women, symptoms start around 6 weeks of pregnancy and begin to ease by the second trimester (around 13 weeks onwards), although for some, it can last much longer. We don't know the exact cause, but it's thought to be linked to the hormonal changes that happen in early pregnancy, particularly rising levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG; which naturally rises during early pregnancy.

Although morning sickness is very common, it's important to seek help if it's becoming difficult to cope with. If you haven't been able to keep food or fluids down for 24 hours, or you're feeling dizzy, passing very little urine or unable to carry on with your normal day-to-day activities, please contact your GP or maternity unit for advice. You don't have to struggle through it.

Some women develop a more severe form of pregnancy sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). If this happens, you may be offered stronger anti-sickness medication, and in some cases, you may need to come into hospital for fluids through a drip if you become severely dehydrated. But... the good news is that there are effective treatments available, and you shouldn't feel that you simply have to put up with it.

So what can I do to help the sickness?

One of the simplest ways to manage nausea is to eat little and often. An empty stomach can sometimes make symptoms worse, so having small snacks throughout the day can really help. Many women find plain, bland foods such as crackers, toast or dry cereal easier to manage. Ginger and mint can also help settle nausea - I always recommend keeping a packet of mints or some ginger biscuits in your bag, just in case!

It's also really important to stay hydrated, especially if you're vomiting. Taking small sips of water regularly is often easier than trying to drink a whole glass at once. Ice lollies, diluted squash or fizzy water can also be easier to tolerate if plain water isn't appealing.

Lastly, it's also worth remembering that every pregnancy is different. Some women feel sick throughout pregnancy, while others don't experience any nausea at all. Neither is a sign that your pregnancy is healthier or less healthy than someone else's. If ever in doubt, always ask a healthcare professional, they are there to help!

Midwife Emily's Top Tip
Keep a small snack, such as a plain biscuit or cracker, by your bed. Eating it before you get up in the morning can help settle your stomach before the day begins. It's a simple tip, but one that many women swear by!