Pregnancy nausea and vomiting, also known asmorning sickness, are very common.
In most people, symptoms subside a few months into the pregnancy, but some people have nausea throughout.
Experiencingnauseaduring pregnancy is normal.
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And while it can make you uncomfortable, its not usually a cause for concern.
However, its possible to experience severe nausea and vomiting, which can cause complications.
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When Does It Start?
Most people get relief from symptoms about three months into their pregnancy.
However, some people have nausea that lasts the entire time.
Nausea and vomiting don’t always accompany each other.
Some people with morning sickness only experience nausea, while others may only vomit.
Causes
Experts dont really know what causes morning sickness.
It may have something to do with hormones.
There are ways to relieve symptoms.
Strategies to limit morning sickness include:
Note that not all antiemetics are safe to use during pregnancy.
This goes for supplements as well.
Dont take a supplement or OTC medication without first consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
Some sources suggest alternative medical therapies such as acupressure and acupuncture to relieve morning sickness.
However, evidence suggests that these therapies are not effective for treating nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy.
When to Worry
Mild morning sickness is not unsafe for you or your baby.
Even moderate nausea and vomiting shouldnt cause complications.
Some people may develop severe morning sickness that involves frequent vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss.
This condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum.
It occurs in about 1% of pregnant people.
Severe dehydration and malnutrition are serious complications that require a hospital stay.
Losing weight early on in pregnancy because of severe morning sickness is linked to low birth weight.
If youre not feeling well, talk to a healthcare professional to be safe.
What else could it be?
This list is not exhaustive.
A Word From Verywell
You dont have to push through nausea.
Just because its common doesnt mean it should be a regular part of pregnancy.
You dont have to wait until symptoms are severe to see a doctor.
If youre experiencing nausea and vomiting, talk to your healthcare professional to determine treatment options.
Its also possible that nausea and vomiting are a symptom of something else.
Talking to them can rule out other potential illnesses.
Its OK to seek medical care if youre struggling with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Dont let anyone else dismiss your symptoms and dictate how you feel.
Cleveland Clinic.Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy).
Herrell HD.Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.American Family Physician.
89(12):965-970.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
