Nausea is very common in the early weeks of pregnancy. Some women are sick and some have a feeling of sickness, without being sick. Some feel sick in the mornings, some at other times, some all day long. The reasons are not fully understood, but hormonal changes in the first three months are probably one cause. Nausea usually disappears around the 12th–14th week.
Nausea can be one of the most trying problems in early pregnancy. It comes at a time when you may be feeling tired and emotional, and when many people around you may not realise you're pregnant and expect you to be your normal self.
- If you feel sick first thing in the morning, give yourself time to get up slowly. If possible, eat something like dry toast or a plain biscuit before you get up. Your partner could bring you some sweet tea.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep whenever you can. Feeling tired can make the sickness worse.
- Eat small amounts often, rather than several large meals, but don’t stop eating.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Ask the people close to you for extra support.
- Distract yourself as much as you can. Often the nausea gets worse the more you think about it.
- Avoid the foods and smells that make you feel worse. It helps if someone else can cook, but if not, go for bland, non-greasy foods, such as baked potatoes, pasta and milk puddings, which are simple to prepare.
- Food containing ginger may be helpful.
- Wear comfortable clothes. Tight waistbands can make you feel worse.
If you're being sick all the time and can't keep food down, inform your maternity team. Some pregnant women experience severe nausea and vomiting. This condition is known as Hyperemesis gravidarum and needs specialist treatment.
