Morning Sickness Remedies: How To Manage Nausea During Pregnancy

If you’re experiencing pregnancy nausea, you’re not alone. Up to 90% of pregnant people deal with what’s commonly called “morning sickness”—though this name can be misleading since symptoms can strike at any time, day or night. Whether you’re just starting to feel queasy or looking for new management strategies, let’s explore what causes these symptoms and, more importantly, what you can do about them.

What Does Pregnancy Nausea Feel Like?

Despite its common name, “morning sickness,” the experience of pregnancy nausea can vary significantly from person to person. You might experience:

• A persistent or recurrent sense of nausea
• Vomiting triggered by certain smells or foods
• Food aversions
• Sudden waves of nausea without obvious triggers

When Does Morning Sickness Start and Peak?

Pregnancy nausea typically begins in early pregnancy, often around weeks 5-6, though some people notice symptoms as early as week 4 (right around when you’d miss your period). Symptoms usually peak around week 9, which means you might notice things getting worse before they get better.

The good news? For most people, symptoms start improving around weeks 11-12 as hormone levels stabilize. However, everyone’s experience is different—some find relief earlier, while others might experience symptoms longer into the second trimester and, in very rare cases, even longer.

What Causes Pregnancy Nausea?

Those waves of nausea are primarily caused by pregnancy hormones, specifically:

• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
• Estrogen

Interesting fact: People carrying multiples often experience more severe nausea because their hCG levels are higher. As your placenta forms around weeks 11-12, these hormone levels typically stabilize, which is why many people start feeling better in the second trimester.

Practical Pregnancy Nausea Tips for Managing Morning Sickness

While no single solution works for everyone, these research-backed strategies can help manage symptoms:

Adjust Your Eating Habits

• Keep crackers by your bed to eat before getting up.
• Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones.
• Never let your stomach get completely empty.
• Identify and avoid your trigger foods or smells.

Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Try adding electrolytes (coconut water, electrolyte packs).
• Experiment with ginger or citrus-flavored drinks.
• Sip fluids between meals rather than with food.

Time Your Prenatal Vitamins

• Try taking your prenatal vitamins before bed instead of in the morning.
• Consider switching to a different brand or a gummy formulation if nausea persists.
• If vitamins still trigger your symptoms, discuss options with your healthcare provider.

Adopt as many of these morning sickness remedies as you can to try to relieve your symptoms.

Medical Management Options

If lifestyle changes aren’t providing enough relief, several safe treatment options are available:

Over-the-Counter Options

• Vitamin B6 (10-25mg up to three times daily)
• Doxylamine (found in Unisom sleep tablets, 12.5-25mg at bedtime)
• These can be taken separately or together

Prescription Medications

If over-the-counter remedies aren’t sufficient, speak with your healthcare provider about prescription options. Several safe and effective medications are available for managing more severe symptoms. Your provider can walk through all the options and help you find relief.

When to Seek Additional Support

While nausea and vomiting are common in pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Difficulty keeping liquids down for 24 hours
• Decreased urination
• Dizziness or fainting
• Severe weakness
• Unable to keep prenatal vitamins down for several days

A Note on Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Some people experience a more severe form of pregnancy nausea called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Recently highlighted by celebrities like Amy Schumer and Kate Middleton, HG can last throughout pregnancy and may require additional medical support.

Remember: This Is Temporary

While pregnancy nausea can be challenging and even debilitating, remember that for most people, it’s temporary and is generally a sign that your pregnancy hormones are at work, an expected sign of fetal development. Don’t hesitate to:

• Speak up about your symptoms
• Ask for support from family and friends
• Take time to rest when needed
• Reach out to your healthcare provider for help

The first trimester can be an especially tough transition because you might not be ready to share your pregnancy news widely, and therefore, you may experience ambiguous, vulnerable emotions, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. Reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss management strategies and common morning sickness remedies that might work best for you.

Looking for supportive pregnancy care? Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and create a management plan that works for you. Book here.

Recommended Resources

 Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. Practice Bulletin, ACOG. 2018

 ACNM Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I be concerned about morning sickness?

If nausea leads to severe weight loss, dehydration, or persistent vomiting, consult your health care provider.

Does morning sickness mean I will have it with future pregnancies?

The severity and duration of morning sickness can vary greatly from one pregnancy to another. It is influenced by a combination of hormonal changes, genetics, and individual health factors.

Research indicates that while many women who experienced morning sickness during their first pregnancy do report similar symptoms in subsequent pregnancies, this is not a universal rule. Each pregnancy is unique, and factors such as hormonal fluctuations, the mother’s health, and even the baby’s sex may contribute to differing experiences.

How can I manage nausea naturally?

Many patients find relief through alternative medicine, such as acupuncture and acupressure. Wearing wristbands designed for motion sickness may also help ease symptoms. Additionally, engaging in practices such as deep breathing, prenatal yoga, or meditation can help mothers-to-be reduce stress and promote a sense of calm, which may alleviate some nausea. Aromatherapy, using essential oils like peppermint or lemon, can also provide comfort and relief.

Are there medications for severe morning sickness?

Healthcare providers might provide medications for morning sickness, including antiemetic drugs, such as ondansetron or promethazine, which are designed to reduce nausea and prevent vomiting. Additionally, vitamin B6 supplements or a combination of vitamin B6 and doxylamine are frequently suggested as safer options.

Ultimately, the decision to prescribe medication will depend on the patient’s unique circumstances, including the impact of morning sickness on daily life and overall well-being. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible care and to discuss potential effects on the fetus.

Can morning sickness cause other symptoms?

Morning sickness is commonly associated with nausea and vomiting during the early stages of pregnancy. However, it can also manifest through a variety of other symptoms that may not be as widely recognized. Women experiencing morning sickness may report increased fatigue, heightened sensitivity to certain smells, and even emotional fluctuations, such as anxiety or irritability. Nausea can also be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, or low blood pressure. If morning sickness remedies prove ineffective or symptoms become severe or interfere with daily life, seek medical advice.

Does morning sickness affect my baby?

While it can be uncomfortable and distressing, mild to moderate morning sickness does not pose a significant risk to your developing baby. The body’s natural response to pregnancy changes and hormonal fluctuations typically safeguards the fetus during this challenging time. However, severe vomiting leading to weight loss and iron deficiency may require medical intervention to ensure proper nutrient intake.

How can I differentiate morning sickness from other conditions?

Morning sickness can last until the end of the first trimester and is often triggered by certain food smells, fatigue, and hormonal changes, and typically resolves as the pregnancy progresses. Other gastrointestinal conditions such as food poisoning, gastrointestinal infections, or acid reflux may present with similar symptoms but can be differentiated by their triggering factors and duration. Monitor your symptoms closely, consider the timeline and triggers, and consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis if you experience persistent or severe problems that extend beyond typical morning sickness.

Can exercise help with morning sickness?

Light exercise, such as walking or prenatal yoga, can improve digestion, reduce stress, and potentially ease nausea. However, listen to your body and avoid overexertion.