Tips to help with morning sickness

Hayley Trotter, CNM

Obstetrics and Gynecology

One of the most well-known early symptoms of pregnancy is morning sickness. In fact, many people will first suspect they might be pregnant because of an unexpected and otherwise unexplained onset of nausea and vomiting. Hayley Trotter, certified nurse midwife, explained what we know about this condition, ways to help with morning sickness and how to manage your symptoms, plus how to know when to schedule an appointment for treatment.

What is morning sickness during pregnancy? Will it improve?

“Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy, and it’s usually at its worst between 10 to 16 weeks of pregnancy,” said Trotter.

Some people experience their symptoms worst when they first wake up, which is why it’s commonly called ‘morning sickness,’ but symptoms can be present any time during the day or night. Each pregnancy is different, and so the timing of ‘morning sickness’ may be very different, too.

Most people will begin to feel better as they enter the second trimester of pregnancy, and symptoms continue to decrease as the pregnancy progresses.

Can morning sickness affect my health or the health of my baby?

“While it is very uncomfortable, the nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is usually fairly mild and can be well controlled with lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter treatments or other options that help with morning sickness,” said Trotter.

In some cases, a low-dose prescription medication may be prescribed to help people who are struggling with morning sickness interfering with the activities of daily living, work or school.

For the most part, morning sickness during pregnancy will not affect the health of the mother or baby. However, there is a more severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy which can have significant effects on the health of the pregnant person. This condition, called hyperemesis gravidarum, involves daily, relentless nausea or vomiting that is not relieved by the usual treatments.

Hyperemesis gravidarum begins early in the pregnancy, before 9 weeks, and can last through the entirety of the pregnancy. This severe form of morning sickness can cause severe dehydration, weight loss, or electrolyte imbalances. IV treatment or even hospitalization may be required.

How can I manage nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?

Some items that help with morning sickness and provide relief can be found right at your local grocery store! Ginger is one of the best natural remedies for morning sickness. Many stores sell “pregnancy pops,” or lollipop suckers with ginger flavoring that can help to soothe nausea. Ginger ale can be helpful, as can ginger or peppermint tea. Peppermint applied topically to the skin or diffused can work to settle your stomach.

Many people also find SeaBands to be helpful. These items apply a continuous light pressure to the wrists, which has been shown to help decrease nausea sensations in some people.

Other at-home remedies for morning sickness include:

• Trying small, frequent meals instead of larger ones spaced far apart.
• Eating crackers or dry toast prior to getting out of bed.
• Avoiding brushing your teeth immediately after eating to avoid triggering gag reflex.
• Drinking non-caffeinated carbonated beverages.
• Chewing gum or sucking on mints to decrease excess saliva in the mouth.
• Avoiding smells and activities that worsen nausea or induce vomiting.

“If these remedies do not work, there are medications that can provide relief. Always speak to your midwife or physician to know what is safe or appropriate for you and your baby before you start any new medication,” said Trotter.

Can morning sickness during pregnancy be a symptom of something else?

“Nausea and vomiting are usually benign, but it can be a sign that something more is going on, too,” said Trotter.

During the earliest days of the pregnancy, your midwife or doctor will always confirm that there is a viable pregnancy in the uterus at the beginning of your prenatal care via ultrasound. Then at every appointment, they’ll continue to monitor your vital signs and weight to ensure overall well-being. They watch closely for growth of the baby and will recommend further work-up as appropriate.

Speaking to your midwife or doctor about any new or on-going concerns and symptoms will help to determine next steps. They may collect lab work or recommend imaging if there are other issues that present over the course of your care.

When should I contact someone about nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?

“I recommend contacting your doctor or midwife if symptoms are not relieved by the usual measures, if they are ongoing for more than 24 hours without being able to tolerate foods or fluids, or if you also have a fever over 100.5,” said Trotter.

Even if you’re not certain about needing medical attention for your morning sickness, don’t hesitate to call and speak to someone about your concerns. Your midwife or physician will be happy to speak with you or have you come in for a visit.