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Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting are very common in pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of pregnant people. Despite the name "morning sickness," symptoms can occur at any time of day or night.

Symptoms usually begin between 4 and 6 weeks and often peak between 9 and 16 weeks. For most people, symptoms improve during the second trimester, though some continue to experience nausea throughout pregnancy.

Common symptoms

Nausea
Vomiting
Dry retching
Increased sensitivity to smells
Food aversions

For most people, pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting won't affect their baby's health, provided they're able to maintain adequate food and fluid intake.

Managing pregnancy sickness

Eat small amounts frequently throughout the day.
Avoid becoming overly hungry, as low blood sugar can worsen nausea.
Keep plain snacks like crackers beside your bed and eat something before getting up.
Have a light snack before going to sleep.
Drink fluids regularly, taking small sips if large amounts are hard to tolerate.
Some people find ginger products, acupressure bands, or acupuncture helpful.

If symptoms are affecting your daily life, please talk to us. There are safe, effective medications available in pregnancy that can help.

Hyperemesis gravidarum Around 1–2% of pregnant people experience severe, persistent nausea and vomiting known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which can lead to dehydration, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Please contact your midwife if you have dark-coloured urine or are passing very little, haven't passed urine in over 8 hours, can't keep food or fluids down for 24 hours, feel very weak, dizzy or faint, are losing weight, or are simply struggling to cope. Early treatment helps prevent things becoming more severe.