Morning sickness

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Morning sickness

Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting that can actually occur at anytime of the day during pregnancy.

For severe, persistent vomiting during pregnancy, see hyperemesis gravidarum. For general information on pregnancy, see pregnancy care.

Nausea in the morning - females; Vomiting in the morning - females

Morning sickness is very common. Most pregnant women have at least some nausea, and about a third have vomiting. Morning sickness usually begins during the first month of pregnancy and continues until the 14th to 16th week. Some women have nausea and vomiting through their entire pregnancy.

Morning sickness does not hurt the baby in any way unless persistent weight loss occurs, such as with the severe vomiting of hyperemesis gravidarum. The degree of morning sickness during one pregnancy does not predict how you will feel in future pregnancies.

The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown. It may be caused by hormonal changes or lower blood sugar during early pregnancy. Emotional stress, traveling, or some foods can aggravate the problem.

Review Date: 05/23/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network