Morning sickness

What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy. It is thought to be caused by hormonal changes in the early stages. You might actually be sick or just feel nauseous. And despite the name, those queasy feelings can actually hit at any time of day, or even all day long.

When does it happen?
Morning sickness usually kicks in during the early weeks of pregnancy. For most women, it passes at the end of the first trimester, around the 12-week mark. But some mums-to-be feel sick until the later stages of pregnancy, and an unlucky few suffer right to the end.

What can I do to ease the symptoms?

• Get up slowly in the morning. Ideally, have a plain snack like a cracker or biscuit 10 minutes before getting out of bed.
• Rest as much as possible. Tiredness can make sickness worse.
• Eat little and often to balance your blood sugar.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid smells that make you feel worse, such as cooking odours, cigarette smoke and perfume.
• Get someone else to cook for you if possible.
• Go for bland, high-carb food like baked potatoes and pasta. Avoid spicy, fatty and highly flavoured meals.
• Have a light, plain snack before bed.
• Avoid tight clothing around the waist.
  
  

Food and drink that may be helpful include:

• Foods containing ginger
• Toast
• Sparkling water
• Natural yogurt
• Plain crackers or biscuits such as cream crackers or rich tea
• Fruit juice
• Raw vegetables
• Camomile or peppermint tea
• Glucose drinks
• Sweets or chewing gum.
  
  

When to get help
Even if you are unable to eat much, your unborn baby will take the nutrients they need from you. The most important thing is to stay hydrated, so make sure you keep sipping drinks throughout the day.

If you are being sick several times a day and cannot keep food or drink down, see your GP or midwife. Some women develop a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum, which in extreme cases can lead to dehydration and may require hospital treatment. To keep your sickness under control, your GP may prescribe pregnancy-safe anti-nausea medication.