When will my pregnancy sickness stop?
Feeling nauseous during pregnancy? You’re not alone. Senior NHS Midwife, Hannah O’Sullivan, is here to answer one of the most common questions we receive: When does pregnancy sickness stop?
One of the most misunderstood aspects of pregnancy sickness is that it isn't limited to the morning. While it’s often referred to as “morning sickness,” nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of day. Many women and pregnant people do, however, find the symptoms more noticeable in the morning, especially when blood sugar levels are low.
Pregnancy sickness is usually associated with the first trimester of pregnancy, and in most pregnancies it will pass between 12 and 16 weeks. It is estimated that 1-2% of women and pregnant people will experience a more severe form called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This condition gained public attention when the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, was hospitalised for treatment.
If you're struggling with nausea, there are several tried-and-tested remedies you can experiment with to find what works best for you.
Tips to Ease Pregnancy Sickness
Nausea is often triggered by strong smells and greasy foods so opting for dry, plain snacks could help. However, be mindful that consuming a lot of white carbs can lead to constipation, so balancing your diet is key. Try incorporating foods like rice cakes, wholemeal bread, rye pasta, nuts, or cereal bars, which provide fibre while being relatively plain.
Many pregnant individuals find relief by eating smaller, more frequent meals to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Having either an empty or overly full stomach can make nausea worse, so snacking regularly might help reduce its intensity and frequency.
Ginger is another natural remedy known to alleviate nausea. You can enjoy it in various forms like ginger tea, essential oils, or even biscuits (any excuse for a ginger nut!). Some people keep ginger biscuits by their bed for a quick snack to raise blood sugar before getting up in the morning—a helpful strategy if you find yourself rushing to the bathroom at the start of the day.
Peppermint can also be beneficial for settling the stomach. Whether in tea form or as an essential oil, it helps relax stomach muscles and soothe digestion. Constipation is another common side effect of pregnancy which can also be helped with peppermint oil. Peppermint oil capsules are available in many pharmacies too.
Seeking Medical Support
About one-third of pregnant women and individuals may need to take time off work due to pregnancy sickness. Working through nausea can be challenging, especially if you haven’t yet shared your pregnancy news. Fortunately, there are anti-nausea medications that are considered safe during pregnancy. There are various anti-sickness medications which have good safety and efficacy in pregnancy, and your GP will be happy to advise you and offer a prescription to help you. The Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology also suggests that more than one anti-emetic can be taken at the same time to achieve the desired outcome.
If you’re struggling to keep down food or water, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider. In severe cases, like Hyperemesis Gravidarum, hospitalization may be required to prevent dehydration and other complications.
For more detailed guidance, including how to manage severe pregnancy sickness, check out our video workshop and downloadable PDF in The Ultimate Birth Pack. It features expert advice from Caitlin Dean, a nurse specialist and chair of the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support.
