Introduction
Morning sickness during pregnancy is one of the most common symptoms experienced by expectant mothers.
Did you know that 2 out of 3 pregnant women experience morning sickness?
While it is common, the severity can vary from mild to moderate or even intense, depending on the individual.
This blog covers everything you need to know about morning sickness during pregnancy and how to manage the symptoms effectively.
What Is Morning Sickness During Pregnancy?
Morning sickness refers to nausea, the urge to vomit, vomiting, and sometimes heartburn experienced during pregnancy.
Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day.
How Early in Pregnancy Does Morning Sickness Start?
Morning sickness can begin as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy and usually peaks between 6–9 weeks.
When Does Morning Sickness Stop?
For many women, morning sickness improves by the end of the first trimester. However, some may continue to experience symptoms throughout pregnancy.
Did you know?
While 75% of women’s morning sickness subsides at the end of the trimester, 15% women experience them even after 20 weeks and up until labor in some cases.
Symptoms of Morning Sickness During Pregnancy
Common symptoms include:
- The urge to throw up
- Vomiting
- Stomach discomfort
- Sudden motion sickness
- Heartburn or acid reflux
Foods to Eat to Control Morning Sickness During Pregnancy
Including the following foods may help reduce symptoms:
- Bananas
- Plain crackers or biscuits
- Cold foods
- Ginger tea
- Lemon water
- Bland foods such as bread
Tips to Control Morning Sickness During Pregnancy
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating
- Eat small meals every few hours instead of one large meal
- Sip water frequently to prevent dehydration
- Include ginger-based foods, which may help reduce nausea
- Sit upright and avoid slouching, as good posture can help
- Avoid oily and spicy foods, which can worsen symptoms
- Keep rooms well ventilated, as poor ventilation can trigger nausea
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe vomiting (more than 3–4 times a day)
- Inability to keep food or fluids down
- Vomiting even after drinking water
- Dizziness
- Passing urine less frequently than usual
- Unusual or extreme fatigue
These may be signs of hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness that requires prompt medical attention.
If untreated, it can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, and in rare cases, jaundice.
Conclusion
Although morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom, it is important to consult your healthcare provider if it interferes with your daily life.
Adequate rest, hydration, and eating small, frequent meals can help reduce symptom severity.
Regular prenatal check-ups and routine pregnancy scans also play an important role in monitoring the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
At Jammi Scans, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, an FMF-certified Fetal Medicine Specialist in Chennai, performs all pregnancy scans and provides accurate reports promptly.
If you have any queries, you can book an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Deepthi Jammi by calling 7338771733.
FAQ
01. Does morning sickness harm my baby?
Mild to moderate morning sickness does not usually harm the baby.
However, severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) can lead to dehydration and poor nutrition, which may affect the baby if not treated.
02. Severe morning sickness- Girl or boy?
There is no scientific evidence linking morning sickness to the baby’s gender. Morning sickness cannot be used to determine the baby’s sex.
Please note: Gender determination is illegal in India under the PCPNDT Act. At Jammi Scans, we strictly adhere to this law and ethical medical practices.
03. What is the worst week for morning sickness?
Morning sickness typically peaks between 6–9 weeks of pregnancy and improves by the end of the first trimester in most women.
