Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness)

Overview

Rising pregnancy hormones are the main cause.

Severe vomiting with weight loss and dehydration (hyperemesis gravidarum) needs treatment.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Nausea or vomiting in early pregnancy
• Pregnant or recently gave birth

Less common

• Food aversions
• Tiredness

Look up a symptom: Nausea · Pregnant or recently gave birth · Vomiting

When to get medical care

Causes

Pregnancy hormones.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Twins
• Past morning sickness

Possible complications

• Hyperemesis gravidarum
• Dehydration

Diagnosis

Usually no tests are needed.

Questions you may be asked

• How often you vomit
• Can you keep fluids down?

The exam

Weight and hydration check.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Urine test: For dehydration.

Treatment

Small changes help most people.

Self-care

• Eat small snacks every 1 to 2 hours
• Keep crackers by the bed and eat before getting up
• Sip fluids between meals
• Try ginger tea or candies
• Avoid smells that trigger nausea

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To ease it:

• Prenatal vitamins at night
• Small, frequent meals

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an OB-GYN or midwife; high-risk pregnancies may see a maternal-fetal medicine doctor.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Outlook

Usually eases in the second trimester.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Which medicine is safe for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness)