Morning sickness: 12 remedies that help, and when to see a doctor
Morning sickness affects up to 8 in 10 pregnant women and can happen at any time of day. It usually starts around 6 weeks, is worst around 9 weeks, and eases for most by 14 to 16 weeks. Small, frequent bland meals, sipping fluids, ginger, rest and avoiding triggers help. If you can't keep fluids down for 24 hours, see a doctor; you may have hyperemesis gravidarum, which needs treatment.
Key facts
| Affects | Up to 8 in 10 pregnant women |
|---|---|
| Starts | Around 6 weeks |
| Worst | Around 9 weeks |
| Eases | By 14 to 16 weeks for most |
| Severe form (HG) | About 1 to 3 in 100 |
When it starts and stops
12 things that help
- Eat something before getting up. Keep plain crackers or a biscuit by the bed.
- Small meals every 2 to 3 hours. An empty stomach makes nausea worse.
- Choose bland, starchy foods: toast, rice, khichdi, plain roti, potatoes.
- Try cold foods. They smell less than hot ones.
- Sip fluids between meals rather than with them. Ice chips, coconut water and diluted juice can be easier.
- Ginger in tea, biscuits or food has the best evidence of the home remedies. Ask before taking ginger supplements.
- Avoid triggers: cooking smells, perfume, smoke, stuffy rooms.
- Let someone else cook if you can. A job for your partner: see our partner guide.
- Rest. Tiredness makes nausea worse.
- Get fresh air and take short walks.
- Acupressure wristbands help some women, though evidence is mixed.
- After vomiting, rinse with water and wait an hour before brushing, to protect your teeth.
Medicines that can help
If home measures aren't enough, don't struggle on. Doctors can prescribe anti-sickness medicines that are safe in pregnancy, such as doxylamine with pyridoxine (vitamin B6), cyclizine or promethazine. Don't take over-the-counter remedies without checking first.
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
HG is severe, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration and weight loss. It isn't your fault and it isn't "just morning sickness". Treatment may include medicines and fluids through a drip.
See a doctor the same day if you can't keep any fluids down for 24 hours, pass very little dark urine, feel faint, vomit blood, or have tummy pain or a fever.
Fasting and sickness
If you're sick a lot, fasting in Ramadan is usually not advised. Read our Ramadan guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does morning sickness mean a healthy pregnancy?
Can morning sickness predict a girl?
Can sickness harm my baby?
Sources
- RCOG Green-top 69: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum
- NHS: Vomiting and morning sickness
- ACOG Practice Bulletin 189
General information, not medical advice. Medical disclaimer · How we review content
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