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Morning sickness: what helps, and when does it end?
Morning sickness remedies that help, when nausea in pregnancy starts and ends, and the signs of hyperemesis gravidarum that need a doctor.
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In short
Morning sickness: what helps, and when does it end?
Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and it can happen at any time of day. It usually starts before 9 weeks and eases by 14 to 16 weeks, though for some it lasts longer. Small, frequent bland meals, dry crackers before getting up, sipping fluids and ginger often help. Severe vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down needs a doctor.
Written by the Gyne team · Medical review: pending
Key takeaways
- Morning sickness is very common and can happen at any time of day or night.
- It usually starts before 9 weeks and eases by 14 to 16 weeks.
- Small, plain meals, sipping fluids and ginger are simple things to try first.
- Your doctor can offer safe treatments if home steps aren't enough.
- Not keeping fluids down for 24 hours, or very dark pee, needs a doctor the same day.
When does morning sickness start and end?
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy usually starts before 9 weeks. For most people it goes away by 14 to 16 weeks.
For some, it lasts several weeks longer, and it can last until 20 weeks or beyond. Changing hormones in the first 12 weeks are thought to be part of the cause.
What helps morning sickness at home?
There's no single fix, so try a few of these and keep what works for you:
Foods high in fat or salt but low in nutrition can make nausea worse for some people.
- Eat a few dry crackers or a slice of dry toast before you get out of bed.
- Eat small amounts often, so your stomach is never empty.
- Choose plain foods higher in carbohydrates and protein, and lower in fat.
- Try cold foods if the smell of hot food makes you feel sick.
- Sip water or other fluids little and often, through the day.
- Avoid smells and foods that set off your nausea.
- Rest when you can, since being tired can make nausea worse.
- Have a small snack at bedtime, and if you wake up at night.
What foods help with morning sickness?
Plain, easy foods tend to sit best. Pairing protein with complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, can also help keep nausea down.
Foods many people find easier include:
- Saltine crackers, dry toast or plain cereal.
- Peanut butter on apple slices or celery.
- Nuts, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese or milk.
- Broth, gelatin or ginger ale when your stomach is very unsettled.
- Whole grains, nuts, seeds, peas and beans, which are natural sources of vitamin B6.
Does ginger help morning sickness?
Ginger can help settle your stomach. You can try ginger tea, ginger candy or foods made with real ginger.
Check with a pharmacist or your doctor before taking ginger supplements, since they are stronger than food.
Do acupressure wristbands work for nausea?
Some people find acupressure bands helpful. They press on a point on the inside of the wrist.
The evidence is limited, but they are low risk and easy to try.
What can a doctor give for morning sickness?
If home steps aren't enough, talk to your doctor early rather than waiting. Treating nausea early can stop it from getting severe.
Ask your doctor about vitamin B6 and other treatments that are considered safe in pregnancy. Some options are over the counter and some need a prescription, so check with your doctor before taking anything new.
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is the most severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It happens in up to 3 in 100 pregnancies.
It can mean losing 5% or more of your weight from before pregnancy and becoming dehydrated, which is losing too much body fluid. It needs treatment, sometimes in a hospital, to stop the vomiting and replace fluids. It is not your fault, and it's not something you can push through on your own.
Does morning sickness harm the baby?
Usual morning sickness does not harm your baby. It also does not cause miscarriage.
Severe vomiting with weight loss can affect your baby's weight at birth, which is one reason it's important to get help early.
When to see a doctor
- You can't keep food or fluids down for 24 hours.
- Your pee is very dark, or you haven't peed for more than 8 hours.
- You feel very weak, dizzy or faint when you stand up.
- You are losing weight.
- You have belly pain, a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or you vomit blood.
- Nausea is affecting your mood, sleep or daily life. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (the US crisis line) or your local crisis line.
How Gyne helps
In pregnancy, Gyne follows you week by week, with what your body is going through and what to expect next. Danger signs stay one tap away, with a one-tap way to call for help.
PregnancyThis guide is general information, not medical advice. Only a doctor can diagnose a condition.