Managing Morning Sickness in Pregnancy

Q: When does morning sickness usually start and stop?

Symptoms usually start between weeks 4 and 7 of pregnancy. They may ease for you by weeks 16 to 20, though they might carry on a little past that point. If yours are severe or dragging on, it is worth raising with your GP or midwife.

Q: How is hyperemesis gravidarum different from typical morning sickness?

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of pregnancy sickness that affects around 1 to 3 in every 100 pregnant women. It may not ease by weeks 16 to 20 and often needs medical treatment. If you cannot keep food or fluid down, or you are showing signs of dehydration, call your GP or midwife rather than trying to manage it at home.

Q: Is it safe to take anti-sickness medication during pregnancy?

Some anti-sickness medications can be prescribed safely in pregnancy, and the decision about which one sits with the clinician prescribing it. Do not take any anti-sickness medication without speaking to your GP or midwife first, as they can advise on the option that fits your situation.

Pregnant woman checking her reflection in the mirror, touching her stomach.

The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical or dietary advice, particularly during pregnancy. If you are outside the UK, please consult your local doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance that reflects your country's recommendations.

The wave of nausea that can hit before you have even got out of bed is one of the most common parts of early pregnancy. It can come at any time of day, not just the morning, and often starts somewhere between weeks 4 and 7. It may ease for you by weeks 16 to 20, or it might linger a little longer. Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, usually called morning sickness, affects around 70 to 75% of pregnant women. Managing morning sickness in those early weeks can take some trial and error, but there are practical steps that can help.¹

Nobody fully understands what causes it, though it seems to track with the hormonal changes of the first 12 weeks. This article walks through what you can try at home and when it is worth getting medical advice. Think of it as general information; your GP or midwife can give you guidance for your own situation.²

Eating and drinking to manage morning sickness

Nausea often gets worse on an empty stomach, so eating small amounts often, roughly every one to two hours, can keep it more settled. Having a dry biscuit, cracker, or piece of toast before you get up in the morning may take the edge off that early queasiness.³

Plain, starchy, low-fat foods like toast, crackers, pasta, and rice tend to go down more easily. Spicy, fatty, or greasy meals often make things worse, so you may want to steer clear of them. Fluids matter too. Sipping small amounts through the day, rather than a big glass at once, is often easier on your stomach, and sucking on ice cubes can help if even water feels like too much.⁴

Hand holding a slice of cake in a room with wooden table and chairs.

Rest and steering clear of triggers

When you are tired, the nausea often feels worse, so resting where you can may make a real difference. You might also notice that certain smells or foods can trigger nausea, and avoiding those where possible helps. Keeping rooms well aired can cut down on the odours that tip nausea over the edge.⁵

Trying ginger and acupressure bands

Ginger is a long-standing remedy for pregnancy nausea, and you may find it takes the edge off, though it does not work for everyone. Ginger tea, ginger biscuits, or crystallised ginger are the forms usually suggested. High-dose ginger capsules and supplements are not advised in pregnancy, so it is worth checking with your midwife or GP before trying any supplement.⁶

Acupressure wristbands, worn on the inner wrist, may be helpful for morning sickness. The evidence that they work is thin, though they are generally fine to try if you want to.⁷

When to call your GP or midwife

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a separate, serious condition. It affects around 1 to 3 in every 100 pregnant women, may not settle by weeks 16 to 20, and often needs medical treatment. At that level of severity, your GP or midwife will need to be involved and can assess you and arrange the right care.⁹

If your sickness is severe, a doctor may prescribe anti-sickness medication that is safe to use in pregnancy. In the UK there is one medication licensed specifically for pregnancy sickness, and others may be prescribed depending on your situation. That decision sits with the clinician prescribing it, so do not take any anti-sickness medication without speaking to your GP or midwife first. If you are not sure whether your symptoms need urgent attention, you can call NHS 111.¹⁰

Frequently Asked Questions

When does morning sickness usually start and stop?

What foods are easier to eat when you have morning sickness?

How is hyperemesis gravidarum different from typical morning sickness?

Is it safe to take anti-sickness medication during pregnancy?

Sources

[1] Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum)

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), widely referred to as morning sickness, affects approximately 70 to 75% of pregnant women. Symptoms can occur at any time of day, typically starting between weeks 4 and 7. For many, they ease by weeks 16 to 20, though for some they persist longer.
[2] Morning sickness

The exact cause of NVP is not fully understood, but it is thought to be linked to hormonal changes during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
[3] Morning sickness

Before getting up in the morning, having a dry biscuit, cracker, or piece of toast can ease that early nausea.
[4] Morning sickness

Drinking fluids in small sips throughout the day, rather than in large amounts at once, may be easier to manage. Sucking on ice cubes can also help.
[5] Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum)

Identifying specific smells or foods that seem to trigger symptoms and avoiding them, and keeping rooms well-ventilated, can reduce exposure to nausea triggers.
[6] Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum)

Ginger is a traditional remedy for pregnancy nausea. Consuming it as ginger tea, ginger biscuits, or crystallised ginger are the forms commonly suggested.
[7] Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum)

Acupressure wristbands may help some women with morning sickness. Scientific evidence for their effectiveness is limited, but they are considered safe to try.
[8] Severe vomiting in pregnancy

Contact your GP or midwife if you cannot keep any food or fluid down for 24 hours, or if you have signs of dehydration such as very dark urine or no urine for more than eight hours.
[9] Severe vomiting in pregnancy

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a distinct and serious condition affecting around 1 to 3 in every 100 pregnant women. It may not resolve by weeks 16 to 20 and often requires medical treatment.
[10] Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum)

For severe sickness, a doctor may prescribe anti-sickness medication appropriate for use in pregnancy. In the UK there is one licensed medication specifically for NVP; other treatments may also be prescribed. Any decision about medication rests with the prescribing clinician.