Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, commonly known as morning sickness, is feeling sick or being sick while pregnant. It affects most pregnant women, especially in the first trimester.
Morning sickness usually starts early in pregnancy, often around week 6. For most women it improves or stops by around weeks 12 to 20, though for some it lasts longer. Despite the name, it can happen at any time of day.
Small, frequent meals of plain food, plenty of fluids sipped often and getting enough rest can help some people. Foods or drinks containing ginger may ease symptoms for some. A pharmacist, midwife or GP can advise on anti-sickness medicines that are safe to use in pregnancy.
Severe, persistent vomiting may be hyperemesis gravidarum. Contact a midwife or doctor if you cannot keep food or fluids down, have very dark urine, feel dizzy when standing, or have tummy pain or a high temperature.
Sickness often peaks in the first trimester, before many people have told colleagues they are pregnant. Flexible start times, breaks when needed, easy access to a toilet, permission to snack at the desk and some distance from strong smells can help.
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