Morning sickness isn’t just in the morning, and for some women it’s far more than mild nausea. Most pregnant women feel sick at some point in early pregnancy. For a small number, vomiting is so severe it’s a medical condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which needs proper treatment.
Imagine being nine weeks pregnant and unable to keep even water down. You’ve lost weight, you’re dizzy when you stand, and people keep telling you to “try ginger biscuits.” This isn’t ordinary morning sickness, and you deserve proper care, not more tips.
What helps with ordinary morning sickness
- Eat small, frequent meals and plain snacks; don’t let your stomach get empty
- Eat something plain before getting out of bed
- Sip fluids between meals rather than with them
- Avoid smells and foods that trigger nausea
- Rest when you can, as tiredness worsens nausea
- Ginger may help some women
Safe anti-sickness medicines are available. Ask your midwife, nurse, doctor or pharmacist rather than suffering through it.
But when is it hyperemesis gravidarum?
Get urgent help the same day if you:
- Can’t keep food or fluids down for 24 hours
- Have very dark urine or haven’t peed for 8 hours or more
- Feel dizzy, weak or faint when standing
- Are losing weight
- Vomit blood, or have tummy pain or a high temperature
Hyperemesis can be treated with medicines and IV fluids, sometimes in hospital. It can also take a big emotional toll, so ask for mental health support if you need it.
Your next step: If sickness is stopping you eating, drinking or working, tell your midwife or doctor this week and ask about anti-sickness medicine. You don’t have to just put up with it.
Sources: NHS (Vomiting and morning sickness; Severe vomiting in pregnancy), Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from your own midwife, nurse or doctor.
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