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Morning sickness
Definition
Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting that can actually occur at any time of the day during pregnancy.
See also:
Alternative Names
Nausea in the morning - females; Vomiting in the morning - females
Considerations
Morning sickness is very common. Most pregnant women have at least some nausea, and about a third have vomiting. Morning sickness usually begins during the first month of pregnancy and continues through the 14th to 16th week (3rd or 4th month). Some women have nausea and vomiting through their entire pregnancy.
Morning sickness does not hurt the baby in any way unless you lose weight, such as with severe vomiting. The amount of morning sickness during one pregnancy does not predict how you will feel in future pregnancies.
Causes
The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown. It may be caused by hormone changes or lower blood sugar during early pregnancy. Emotional stress, fatigue, traveling, or some foods can make the problem worse. Nausea in pregnancy is more common and can be worse with twins or triplets.
Home Care
This version of the Encyclopedia has no home care information. Please discuss any and all home care options for your condition with your healthcare professional.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your doctor if:
- Morning sickness does not improve, despite trying home remedies.
- Nausea and vomiting continue beyond your 4th month of pregnancy. This happens to some women and is usually normal, but have it checked out.
- You lose more than 2 pounds.
- You vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds. (Call immediately.)
- You vomit more than 3 times per day or you cannot keep food or liquid down.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your doctor will do a physical examination, including a pelvic exam, and look for any signs of dehydration.
Your doctor may ask the following questions:
- Are you only nauseated or do you also vomit?
- Does the nausea and vomiting occur every day?
- Does it last throughout the day?
- Can you keep down any food or fluid?
- Have you been traveling?
- Has your schedule changed?
- Are you feeling stressed?
- What foods have you been eating?
- Do you smoke?
- What have you done to try to feel better?
- What other symptoms do you have -- headaches, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, dry mouth, excessive thirst, unintended weight loss?
Your doctor may do the following tests:
- Blood tests including CBC and blood chemistry (chem-20)
- Urine tests
- Ultrasound
References
Gordon MC. Maternal physiology. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 3.
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 52. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;103:803-815.
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
