Morning Sickness in Pregnancy: What It Is, How to Manage It, and When to Seek Help
- Jacqueline Harler
- May 20
- 4 min read
Feeling sick during pregnancy is incredibly common, but that doesn’t mean it is easy.
For some women, nausea is a mild inconvenience. For others, it can be physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming. If you are struggling with pregnancy sickness, it is important to know that effective support is available.
As a doula, I often remind women that while morning sickness is common, you do not have to simply “put up with it.”
What Is Morning Sickness?
“Morning sickness” is the common term used to describe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Despite the name, it can happen at any time of day or night.
It usually begins between 4 and 7 weeks of pregnancy and settles by 16 to 20 weeks for most women. However, some women continue to experience symptoms for longer.
Around 8 in 10 pregnant women experience some degree of nausea, vomiting, or both during early pregnancy.
What Causes Morning Sickness?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to pregnancy hormones, particularly:
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)
Oestrogen
GDF-15, a hormone produced by the placenta that appears to play a significant role in pregnancy sickness
Some women are more likely to experience significant nausea than others, possibly due to genetic differences.
Who Is More Likely to Experience Morning Sickness?
You may be more likely to experience nausea and vomiting if you:
Have had it in a previous pregnancy
Are expecting twins or more
Have a family history of severe pregnancy sickness
Experience migraines or motion sickness
Have a history of hyperemesis gravidarum
Does Morning Sickness Harm the Baby?
For most women, mild to moderate nausea and vomiting does not harm the baby. In fact, some studies suggest that nausea in early pregnancy is associated with healthy hormonal changes.
The main concern arises if vomiting becomes so severe that it leads to:
Dehydration
Significant weight loss
Nutritional deficiencies
This more severe form is called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).
Practical Ways to Manage Morning Sickness
1. Eat Little and Often
An empty stomach can worsen nausea. Try small meals or snacks every 2–3 hours.
2. Choose Bland Foods
Foods that are often better tolerated include:
Plain crackers
Toast
Rice
Pasta
Bananas
Jacket potatoes
3. Keep Hydrated
Sip fluids frequently rather than drinking large amounts at once.
Good options include:
Water
Electrolyte drinks
Ice lollies
Ginger tea
4. Identify Triggers
Strong smells, warm rooms, and certain foods can make symptoms worse.
5. Rest
Fatigue often intensifies nausea.
6. Try Ginger
Ginger may help reduce symptoms and is commonly recommended.
7. Acupressure Wristbands
Some women find “sea bands” helpful.
8. Prescription Medication
If symptoms are affecting daily life, your GP or maternity team can prescribe anti-sickness medications that are considered safe in pregnancy.
Signs You Should Seek Medical Advice
Contact your GP, midwife, or NHS 111 if you:
Cannot keep food or fluids down
Have very dark urine
Have not passed urine for more than 8 hours
Feel dizzy or faint
Are losing weight
Have abdominal pain or fever
Feel increasingly weak or confused
These may be signs of dehydration or hyperemesis gravidarum.
What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of pregnancy sickness affecting approximately 1–3% of pregnancies.
It can cause:
Persistent vomiting
Inability to keep food or fluids down
Dehydration
Weight loss
Hospital admission
HG is a genuine medical condition and deserves prompt treatment and compassionate support.
The Emotional Impact of Pregnancy Sickness
Even “typical” morning sickness can be incredibly draining.
You may feel:
Isolated
Tearful
Frustrated
Guilty for not enjoying pregnancy
Anxious about coping
Severe symptoms can affect work, relationships, and mental wellbeing. If you are struggling emotionally, please speak to your healthcare provider.
How a Doula Can Support You
While a doula cannot provide medical treatment, emotional and practical support can make a significant difference.
A doula can offer:
A listening ear
Reassurance and emotional support
Practical suggestions for comfort
Help communicating your needs
Support for your partner and family
When you are exhausted and overwhelmed, having someone who understands can be deeply comforting.
Final Thoughts
Morning sickness is common, but that does not mean you have to suffer in silence.
If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, reach out for help. Safe and effective treatments are available, and you deserve to be taken seriously.
Pregnancy can be beautiful, but it can also be hard.
Both experiences are valid.
Support from Bloom With Jacqueline
If you are experiencing pregnancy sickness and need emotional support during pregnancy, I offer compassionate antenatal support tailored to your needs, contact me for a no-obligation call about how I can support you.
Useful Resources
References
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (2024) Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum). Available at: RCOG Patient Information
National Health Service (2025) Vomiting and morning sickness. Available at: NHS Morning Sickness Guidance
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (2024) The Management of Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Green-top Guideline No. 69). Available at: RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 69
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