Despite the nickname “morning sickness”, nausea can show up in the morning, afternoon or evening. It usually starts before the 9th week and eases over the second trimester, but how long it lasts and how intense it is vary a lot.
A common symptom doesn't mean suffering you have to endure in silence. If nausea gets in the way of eating, staying hydrated, working or resting, bring it up in your prenatal care: there are safe care options, which should be chosen together with the team.
Simple measures that may help
Avoiding long stretches on an empty stomach and eating smaller meals throughout the day is usually more comfortable than large plates. Dry, mild-tasting foods may work for some people; for others, the most important thing is to stay away from smells and dishes that trigger nausea.
Drink fluids in small sips throughout the day. Cold water, room-temperature water or water with a light flavor may be easier to tolerate — choose whatever you can keep down. Rest and well-ventilated spaces also help when tiredness and smells make you feel worse.
Medications and supplements
Don't use anti-nausea medicines, strong herbal teas, extra-dose vitamins or other products on your own. Even options commonly used in pregnancy need to take into account your symptoms, other medications and health conditions.
Signs to seek care
Contact your team or go to a health service if you can't keep fluids down, are urinating little or your urine is very dark, feel dizzy or faint, notice a racing heartbeat, are losing weight or are vomiting repeatedly. Abdominal pain, fever, blood in your vomit or symptoms that start in an unusual way also deserve an assessment.