Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy

Key facts

• Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, widely known as morning sickness, affects roughly seven in ten pregnant women in the first trimester.
• Symptoms can occur at any time of day, typically peak between weeks six and nine, and ease by week fourteen for most women.
• Mild cases respond to small, frequent meals, ginger tea, and rest; more disruptive symptoms are treated with doxylamine combined with pyridoxine (vitamin B6).
• Seek prompt care if you cannot keep fluids down, lose more than 5% of your pre-pregnancy body weight, or notice dark urine.

What it is

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is thought to be driven by rising levels of pregnancy hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and oestrogen, along with a heightened sense of smell and taste. Despite the name, symptoms can strike at any time of day and are not limited to the morning.

Managing symptoms safely

Mild cases often respond to small, frequent meals, ginger tea, and adequate rest. Avoiding strong smells and greasy or spicy food can also help. When symptoms are more disruptive, a combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is a well-established first-line option with a long safety record in pregnancy. It works by calming the vomiting centre in the brain and settling the stomach, and it is generally taken at bedtime since drowsiness is a common side effect. Further related treatments are listed under women's health.

When to see a doctor

Seek prompt medical attention if you are unable to keep any fluids down, lose more than 5% of your pre-pregnancy body weight, or notice dark urine. These signs may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy sickness that needs medical management, sometimes including intravenous fluids.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.