Morning sickness. The universal pregnancy experience. Perhaps the mere mention of it made your stomach turn. You likely have a lot of questions—the biggest one being, how long will this last?
In this article, we’ll explore how long morning sickness lasts, how to alleviate your symptoms, and what to do in extreme cases. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is a condition that causes nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It’s very common, affecting up to 70% of women in the first trimester[1].
Unfortunately, despite the name, it can occur at any point during the day[1]. Many women snack or sip ginger ale throughout the day to alleviate their symptoms[2].
What are the Symptoms of Morning Sickness?
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are some of the most common symptoms of morning sickness[1]. Some women describe the feeling of morning sickness as[1]:
- Hunger pains
- Something stuck in their throat
- Motion sickness or seasickness
- Reflux or heartburn
Medical experts aren’t sure what causes morning sickness but believe it’s a combination of changes in[1]:
- Metabolism
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
- Pregnancy hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
What Helps With Morning Sickness?
Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate morning sickness at home. Simple diet and lifestyle changes can make all the difference in the world. Doctors suggest that you[1]:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Step outside for fresh air often and keep rooms well-ventilated.
- Take all vitamins with food.
- Eat a slice of toast or a few crackers first thing in the morning to settle your stomach.
- Drink a carbonated beverage such as Ginger Ale to settle your stomach.
- Snack on protein-rich food between meals (such as cheese, yogurt, and peanut butter).
- Keep snacks on hand when you leave the house.
- Eat bland foods (such as dry toast, bananas, and applesauce). Avoid spicy, fatty foods.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages.
When Does Morning Sickness Start?
Morning sickness can begin as early as six weeks of pregnancy, with most women experiencing it before nine weeks[1]. Typically, morning sickness feels the worst around 8 to 10 weeks, but this can vary[1].
How Long Does Morning Sickness Last?
It depends. Usually, morning sickness only lasts for the first trimester, but symptoms can linger into the second trimester. In rare cases, morning sickness can last throughout the entire pregnancy[1].
On a day-to-day basis, morning sickness should only last for a short time, with occasional vomiting[1]. However, some women experience a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. Symptoms include[1]:
- Nausea that lasts for several hours
- Inability to keep food or water down
- Vomiting more than three times a day
- Extreme weight loss (10 or more pounds)
- Severe dehydration
What to Do in Cases of Severe Morning Sickness
While morning sickness is normal, hyperemesis gravidarum should not go untreated. Prolonged nausea and vomiting can keep you from getting the nutrients you need and negatively affect the baby’s birth weight[1].
Reach out to your doctor right away if you think you may be experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum. You may need to receive medical treatment to replenish your fluids, as well as medication to alleviate the nausea[1].
How Long After Abortion Do Symptoms of Pregnancy Go Away?
Pregnancy symptoms won’t immediately stop after an abortion. One of the main side effects of the abortion pill is nausea, which can be severe[3]. If your nausea lasts more than a week, you should seek urgent medical care.
If you’re considering abortion, it’s crucial to get all the facts. The Athens PRC offers abortion information, so you can make the best decision for your health and future.
Free Pregnancy Services in Athens, OH
Morning sickness is never fun, whether the pregnancy was planned or not. The Athens PRC is here to provide the care and support you deserve! We offer:
- Free pregnancy services
- Community resources and referrals
- A safe place to ask questions and process your emotions
Give us a call at (740) 592-4700 or schedule your appointment today. All services are free and confidential.
Please be aware that The Athens PRC does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Morning Sickness: When it Starts, Treatment & Prevention. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, April 5). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16566-morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
- Morning Sickness. Mayo Clinic. (2022, September 28). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254
- Misoprostol (Oral Route). Mayo Clinic. (2023, February 1). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/misoprostol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064805?p=1