What is “morning sickness”?
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, sometimes called morning sickness or “toxicosis,” can occur at any time of day. It usually begins before 9 weeks and improves by about 14–16 weeks for many people, although it may last longer.
Mild nausea is common and usually does not harm the fetus. It becomes concerning when food and fluids cannot be kept down, weight is falling, or dehydration develops.
Why does it happen?
The precise cause is not fully understood. Rapid hormonal changes, greater sensitivity to smell and taste, and slower digestion are likely contributors. More severe symptoms are more common in multiple pregnancy and in people with a previous affected pregnancy, motion sickness, or migraine.
How can nausea be reduced?
- Try a dry cracker or toast before getting out of bed;
- Eat five or six small meals so the stomach is not empty for long;
- Choose bland, lower-fat foods that you tolerate;
- Take fluids in small, frequent sips throughout the day;
- Avoid smells and foods that trigger symptoms;
- Rest, because fatigue can worsen nausea.
Ginger helps some people, but supplement doses should be discussed with a clinician. Ask before changing or stopping a prenatal vitamin.
When is it hyperemesis gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe, persistent nausea and vomiting associated with dehydration, metabolic disturbance, and sometimes loss of about 5% of pre-pregnancy weight. Warning signs include very dark or little urine, inability to urinate, inability to keep fluids down, dizziness on standing, a racing heart, and severe weakness.
Contact medical care promptly. Intravenous fluids, laboratory tests, medication, and sometimes hospital treatment may be required.
Which medicines may be used?
If dietary measures are insufficient, a clinician may recommend vitamin B6, doxylamine, or another antiemetic. Selection depends on severity, other health conditions, and current medicines. Do not self-prescribe medication during pregnancy.
Could another condition cause vomiting?
Symptoms starting for the first time after 9 weeks, or accompanied by significant abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, severe headache, thyroid swelling, or right upper abdominal pain, need assessment for other causes.
What is the role of ultrasound?
Ultrasound confirms pregnancy location and gestational age, fetal viability, and the number of fetuses. Read When is the fetal heartbeat seen on ultrasound?
Ultrasound with Lana Ezieshvili
If your clinician recommends pregnancy ultrasound because of significant nausea or as routine care, radiologist Lana Ezieshvili will assess pregnancy location, dates, fetal number, and appropriate early pregnancy findings.
Book an appointment with Lana Ezieshvili for scheduled imaging. If you cannot keep fluids down, urine output has markedly fallen, or you feel faint, do not wait for a routine appointment—seek urgent care.