Is it normal to be this sick during pregnancy

In fact, some studies suggest that mild morning sickness can be a sign of a healthy pregnancy and is associated with lower rates of pregnancy loss.

In this article, we discuss the causes, symptoms, and complications of morning sickness, as well as the treatments. A person may not need medical treatment for their morning sickness — self-care strategies can effectively alleviate the symptoms for some people. Below, we explore these strategies and the medicinal approaches that a doctor may recommend. Fatigue is common during pregnancy, and it can make nausea worse. While the exact causes of fatigue and nausea during pregnancy remain unknown, it is important to rest and get enough sleep whenever possible.

Learn more about the links between fatigue and nausea here. During pregnancy, it can be beneficial to drink smaller amounts of fluids more regularly. This may help reduce vomiting. Having smaller meals more frequently may help manage morning sickness. And certain types of food, such as dry, savory foods, may be less likely to cause nausea and vomiting than spicy foods, for example.

Certain odors, tastes, or both may trigger morning sickness. Understanding and avoiding known triggers can help a person reduce the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting. If morning sickness symptoms are still severe despite these home care techniques, a doctor may recommend a short course of an antinausea medication, also called an antiemetic, that is safe to use during pregnancy. Some studies suggest that ginger supplements help reduce nausea symptoms during pregnancy, with little risk of negative outcomes.

However, clinical evidence to support the use of this remedy is lacking. Ginger supplements are available for purchase online. The over-the-counter version of this combination of medications is called Unisom SleepTabs. It may help treat morning sickness during the first trimester. Unisom SleepTabs are available for purchase over the counter or online. Diclegis is the brand-name version of a similar combination: doxylamine succinate and vitamin B6, in the form of pyridoxine hydrochloride.

It's thought hormonal changes in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy are probably one of the causes of morning sickness. Visit the pregnancy sickness support site for tips for you and your partner on dealing with morning sickness. Find maternity services near you. Sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

In this video, a midwife gives advice on how to deal with morning sickness during your pregnancy. Page last reviewed: 13 April Next review due: 13 April Home Pregnancy Pregnancy-related conditions Common symptoms in pregnancy Back to Common symptoms in pregnancy.

Vomiting and morning sickness. Pregnancy - morning sickness. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms of morning sickness The myth of hysteria and morning sickness Possible causes of morning sickness Morning sickness and your baby Severe morning sickness hyperemesis gravidarum Managing morning sickness Seeing your doctor about morning sickness Where to get help Things to remember.

Symptoms of morning sickness Symptoms of morning sickness can include: Nausea Loss of appetite Vomiting Psychological effects, such as depression and anxiety. The myth of hysteria and morning sickness Unrelenting morning sickness can have a profound effect on your quality of life, preventing you from working, socialising and looking after your other children. Possible causes of morning sickness The cause of morning sickness remains a mystery, but it is thought a combination of physical and metabolic factors play a significant role, including: High levels of hormones, including oestrogen Fluctuations in blood pressure, particularly lowered blood pressure Altered metabolism of carbohydrates The enormous physical and chemical changes that pregnancy triggers.

Morning sickness and your baby Some women are concerned that the action of vomiting may threaten their unborn baby. Severe morning sickness hyperemesis gravidarum Severe morning sickness is known as hyperemesis gravidarum HG , and can affect around one in 1, pregnant women.

The possible complications of untreated hyperemesis gravidarum include: Electrolyte imbalances Extreme depression and anxiety Malnourishment of the fetus Excessive strain on vital organs, including the liver, heart, kidneys and brain. Eat a few dry crackers or plain sweet biscuits before getting out of bed in the morning. In general high-carbohydrate meals are well tolerated.

Eat small meals regularly, as an empty stomach tends to trigger nausea. It may help to avoid cooking or preparing foods. Drink as much as you can manage. Sometimes sips of flat lemonade, diluted fruit juice, cordial, weak tea, ginger tea, clear soup or beef extract drinks are helpful.

For some women though, morning sickness has a significant, adverse effect on their daily activities and quality of life. Fewer than 1 in pregnant women experience a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum , which causes severe nausea and vomiting.

They can become very ill, lose weight and become dehydrated, and may need to be admitted to hospital to receive fluid via a drip known as intravenous fluid and medication. Morning sickness usually starts to get better after the first 3 to 4 months of pregnancy.

However, some women continue to experience nausea for a longer period. About 1 in 10 women will continue to feel sick after week 20 of their pregnancy. Morning sickness does not usually cause any problems for the unborn baby. However, if you have severe and ongoing vomiting , it is important to contact a doctor.

Try to eat a variety of foods so that you continue to get your daily requirement of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. An enlarged placenta is also a known risk factor for morning sickness. The placenta is the organ that attaches the mother to her unborn baby and provides the baby with food and oxygen. The placenta can become enlarged in multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, or during a molar pregnancy , where the fertilisation of the egg goes wrong and leads to an abnormal growth of cells inside the womb.

Morning sickness can often be managed by making changes to your diet and having plenty of rest. The support of family and friends can also make morning sickness easier to manage. The stomach acids in vomiting can soften teeth enamel. It is best not to use a toothbrush to clean the teeth straight after vomiting as this may damage them.

Have a drink of water to clean your mouth. If you are vomiting, it is very important to stay hydrated. It may be easier to have lots of small drinks than to try to drink a large amount in one go.

Try a variety of fluids such as water, fruit juice, lemonade and clear soups. Sometimes it can be helpful to try crushed ice, slushies, ice blocks, or even suck on frozen fruit such as grapes or orange segments. You may like to talk with your pharmacist about drinking an oral rehydration solution.

These solutions replace the important electrolytes, as well as fluid, that your body loses when you are vomiting a lot. If you are unable to take in fluids or feel weak, dizzy or unwell, you may be dehydrated and you should seek medical attention urgently. If your morning sickness is worrying you, talk to your doctor or midwife.