Pregnancy nausea is among the most frequent early pregnancy complaints — and it affects far more women than most people think. Studies estimate that as many as 80% of pregnant women experience some level of morning sickness in the first trimester.
For many, it begins about week 6 and is often at its worst between weeks 8–10, complicating daily routines, work, sleep, and appetite. Morning sickness can vary from light nausea to severe vomiting, which can make nutrition and hydration challenging during pregnancy.
Knowing what morning sickness symptoms are most common, when morning sickness typically begins, and what the most effective scientifically backed prevention techniques are can be pivotal — especially for pregnant women who want to find a natural and safe way to improve their comfort in daily life.
What is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is characterized by nausea, queasiness, and, at times, vomiting that occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, most commonly during the first trimester. It's essential to note, however, that morning sickness doesn't just occur in the mornings and can happen at any time of day, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, or even all the time.
Morning sickness is caused by hormonal changes in early pregnancy, particularly increased levels of hCG and estrogen, which can cause changes in the gastrointestinal system and the part of the brain that regulates the nausea reflex. It's simply the body adjusting to rapid changes in hormones, and it's considered a normal, early pregnancy phenomenon.
When Does Morning Sickness Usually Start?
Morning sickness typically starts at about 6 weeks into the pregnancy, peaks around 8–10 weeks, and in most women will subside by about 12–14 weeks. Some will continue to have mild nausea. Others may have a much more severe response.
In rare cases, morning sickness can turn severe and develop into hyperemesis gravidarum - a condition in which vomiting becomes severe and persistent and requires medical treatment.
Morning sickness is a common early pregnancy symptom associated with nausea and vomiting caused by natural hormonal changes. It is uncomfortable — but usually temporary.
Symptoms of Morning Sickness
Common signs include:
- stomach is queasy (with or without vomiting)
- stomach feels queasy off and on
- changes in your sensitivity to smell
- decreased / no appetite
- changes in your taste or aversions to food
- feeling faint or dizzy
- increased salivation (excess saliva)
These signs could be anywhere from feeling mildly uncomfortable to moderate to severe nausea — they may manifest in the morning, at night, or seemingly at random throughout the day.
Causes of Morning Sickness
Morning sickness doesn’t stem from a single cause — it is the result of changes occurring in the body during early pregnancy. The causes aren’t completely known, but experts agree that several biological and hormonal triggers are involved:
A rapid elevation of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in the first trimester
This hormone rises rapidly in early pregnancy and appears to be related to the severity of pregnancy nausea.
A rise in estrogen
Estrogen rises steeply throughout pregnancy, potentially affecting nausea centers in the brain.
A heightening of the senses of smell and taste
Many pregnant women develop extreme sensitivities to smells. Strong odors or specific foods can cause nausea.
Digestion is slowed down
Progesterone relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, which slows down digestion and can contribute to queasiness, gas, and bloating.
The body's protective mechanism
Some researchers also believe morning sickness is a natural protective mechanism designed to prevent pregnant women from eating potentially dangerous foods during the early stages of pregnancy, when the baby is at its most vulnerable.
Overall, morning sickness is a normal response to the major hormonal changes occurring in early pregnancy - and, while not particularly pleasant, it is generally short-lived and subsides as hormones settle down.
Morning Sickness Prevention
While morning sickness is not entirely avoidable for many women, there are simple lifestyle and dietary changes you can make to lessen the severity and frequency of nausea:
- Eat small, frequent meals
Do not go long periods of time without eating. Light snacks every 2–3 hours will also help maintain stable blood sugar and reduce nausea.
- Stay hydrated
Drink small sips of water throughout the day, rather than drinking large amounts all at once. Electrolyte drinks or coconut water may also be helpful.
- Avoid strong smells and food triggers
Once you notice certain foods or smells make your nausea worse — especially spicy, oily, or very fragrant foods — avoid those entirely.
- Select soft food as needed
Foods like crackers, toast, bananas, applesauce, rice, and ginger snacks tend to be easier to manage in the stomach.
- Keep thin snacks at your bedside
Eating a few crackers in the morning before getting out of bed can help reduce some early morning nausea.
- Try taking prenatal vitamins at night
Taking your prenatal vitamin before you sleep, rather than upon awakening, provides some women with nausea relief.
- Get some fresh air
Going for a short walk or sitting outside for even 5–10 minutes can also help soothe the queasy feeling.
When to See a Doctor?
Most instances of morning sickness are mild and short-lived, but some instances prompt you to call your doctor. You should go to the doctor if you:
- cannot keep food or fluids down.
- vomiting multiple times in a day.
- feeling dehydrated (dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness).
- losing weight in the first trimester.
- feeling excessively weak or faint.
- having blood in your vomit or severe abdominal pain.
These symptoms can correspond with a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which could necessitate treatment, IV fluids, or medication. When in doubt about whether your nausea is “normal” or too intense, it’s always worth a call to your doctor.
Final Thoughts
Although morning sickness can be unpleasant, for most women it is temporary as the hormones of early pregnancy stabilize. You can implement small changes to parts of your life in order to feel better day by day.
However, if the nausea becomes severe and lasts, and/or causes you to become dehydrated, you must contact your doctor, as this is the first and most significant step for your health and your baby’s health.
