Medically Reviewed by: Emiliana Hall
If you're pregnant and find yourself hunched over the toilet more times than you'd care to remember, chances are you are experiencing morning sickness.
Although it's an entirely normal side effect of pregnancy, to feel nauseous (blame the increase of pregnancy hormone hCG!), it can feel debilitating to spend what feels like half your time rocking back and forth on your bathroom floor.
What is morning sickness and how common is it during pregnancy?
According to Emiliana Hall, founder of The Mindful Birth Group®, "Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting experienced in early pregnancy. Despite the name, it can occur at any time of day. It affects around 7 in 10 pregnant people and is especially common in the first trimester, says Emiliana Hall.
What causes morning sickness?
Morning sickness is thought to be linked to rising levels of pregnancy hormones, particularly hCG and estrogen. Other factors, such as low blood sugar, fatigue, and a heightened sense of smell may contribute.
What are typical symptoms to expect?
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Nausea (with or without vomiting)
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Sensitivity to smells and certain foods
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Loss of appetite
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Dizziness or light-headedness
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Feeling generally unwell, says Emiliana Hall.
Can frequent vomiting harm the unborn baby?
In most cases, morning sickness does not harm the baby. However, if vomiting becomes severe or persistent, it can lead to dehydration and nutrient loss. It’s important to seek support if you are unable to keep fluids or food down for more than 24 hours, says Emiliana Hall.
What remedies are available to ease morning sickness?
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Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day
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Keep plain snacks by the bed to eat before getting up
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Sip ginger tea or use ginger-based snacks
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Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks
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Avoid strong smells and heavy or spicy foods
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Try acupressure wristbands or vitamin B6 supplements
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Speak to your GP or midwife about safe medications
The myth of hysteria and morning sickness
Historically, morning sickness was misunderstood and sometimes dismissed as 'hysteria'. Today, we know it is a physiological response to pregnancy changes and deserves to be taken seriously. Dismissive attitudes can be harmful. Compassionate, evidence-based care is key, says Emiliana Hall.
When does morning sickness usually begin and end?
Morning sickness often begins around week 6 of pregnancy and typically eases between weeks 12 and 16. For some people, symptoms may last longer or return later in pregnancy.
How can you tell the difference between morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum?
Morning sickness is usually manageable and may improve with small changes. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is more severe.
Signs include:
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Inability to keep any food or drink down
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Rapid weight loss
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Dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, dark urine)
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Extreme fatigue or faintness
If these occur, contact your healthcare provider, says Emiliana Hall.
Are there specific foods or drinks that help? What should be avoided?
Helpful options:
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Plain toast, crackers, or rice cakes
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Cold meals (to reduce smell exposure)
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Ginger-based snacks or teas
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Frozen fruit or ice lollies
To avoid:
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Greasy, spicy, or overly rich foods
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Foods with strong smells
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Caffeine (in large amounts)
Everyone is different so it’s important to listen to what your body can tolerate, says Emiliana Hall.
When should someone be concerned about the severity of their nausea?
Seek advice if you:
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Cannot keep food or fluids down for 24+ hours
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Feel very weak or dizzy
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Are not passing urine regularly
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Notice weight loss or signs of dehydration
When is it time to contact a doctor or midwife?
If your symptoms interfere with eating, drinking, resting, or daily life, it’s time to reach out. Your GP or midwife can offer advice, prescribe medications, or refer you for specialist care if needed, adds Emiliana Hall.
Where can someone find support or professional help?
Talk to your antenatal class provider for reassurance and shared experiences
Speak to your GP or midwife for tailored medical advice
Contact Pregnancy Sickness Support: www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
Use easy-to-access digital platforms like PregnaHub® to connect with midwives, access resources, and join community chats.
Meet the expert
Emiliana Hall is an experienced antenatal educator and hypnobirthing practitioner with a robust professional background in supporting expectant parents through their pregnancy and postnatal journeys. With almost a decade of experience, Emiliana has dedicated her career to providing compassionate and evidence-based guidance to families, ensuring they feel empowered and prepared for childbirth and beyond. She is a sought-after speaker and mentor in the field of prenatal education, known for her reassuring, respectful and knowledgeable approach. Emiliana Hall is the founder of The Mindful Birth Group® and continues to teach Mindful Natal® courses and support families as a birth and postnatal doula and hypnobirthing expert. It's a topic she's been passionate about since 2014 since the birth of her first baby.
Meet the author
Mummy to a little girl, Adejumoke Ilori is Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. With a BA hon in Creative Writing, she has worked for digital platforms, where she has empowered women from the inside and out, by sharing real life stories based on relationships, loving yourself and mummyhood.