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 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. You can also 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.

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  especially because you might not be ready to share your pregnancy news widely and therefor 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 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