Morning Sickness: Practical Relief and When to Seek Help
Waking up queasy and wondering how you'll get through the day? Morning sickness is common in early pregnancy, and while it’s usually short-lived, it can still drain your energy. This page gives simple, usable tips you can try today, plus clear signs that mean you should call a clinician.
Why it happens and when it usually peaks
Nausea in pregnancy is linked to hormonal changes, fatigue, and a stronger sense of smell. It most often starts around 6 weeks, peaks near 9 weeks, and eases for many by 12–14 weeks. Some people have symptoms longer or much worse—this is called hyperemesis gravidarum and needs medical care.
Simple daily fixes that actually help
Keep bland carbs by the bed. Eating a few plain crackers before you stand up can stop that dizzy, queasy rush. Sip water or an electrolyte drink in small amounts throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Big meals can trigger nausea, so aim for small, protein-rich snacks every 2–3 hours—yogurt, nuts, cheese sticks, or a boiled egg.
Cold or room-temperature foods often smell less offensive than hot meals. Try cold sandwiches, fruit, smoothies, or chilled chicken. Ginger is one of the best nonprescription helpers—ginger tea, candied ginger, or ginger chews can reduce nausea for many people. Peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint candies also calms the stomach for some.
Acupressure wristbands (Sea-Bands) press the P6 point on your wrist and can lower nausea without drugs. Rest when you can: fatigue makes nausea worse. Open windows, avoid sudden strong smells, and ask household members to help with cooking if smells are a trigger.
Supplements like vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and doxylamine are often recommended by clinicians for morning sickness. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any medicine or supplement, especially during pregnancy. For severe cases, your clinician can prescribe treatments that are safe and effective.
When to contact your healthcare provider
Call your provider if you can’t keep liquids down for 24 hours, have rapid weight loss, dizziness, fainting, or dark urine. If you’re vomiting so much you can’t work or care for yourself, or if your baby’s movements change later in pregnancy, get medical help. Severe nausea can cause dehydration, low electrolytes, and weight loss that need treatment.
Morning sickness is unpleasant, but there are practical steps that often help right away: small frequent meals, ginger, hydration, acupressure, and rest. If simple measures don’t work or symptoms worsen, reach out to your healthcare team—there are safe options to make you feel better.
