Morning Sickness: Symptoms, Causes and When to See a Doctor

• Nausea

  A queasy, unsettled feeling in the stomach that may come and go or last most of the day.

• Vomiting or retching

  Being sick, or dry heaving, sometimes after meals, smells or on waking.

• Food aversions

  Sudden dislike of foods you usually enjoy, such as tea, coffee, tadka or non-vegetarian dishes.

• Sensitivity to smells

  Cooking smells, perfume or masala aromas may trigger nausea more easily than before.

• Excess saliva or a metallic taste

  Some women notice more saliva than usual or a bitter, metallic taste in the mouth.

• Low appetite

  Feeling full quickly or not wanting to eat, especially on an empty stomach.

• Tiredness

  Feeling drained, partly from early pregnancy itself and partly from disturbed eating and sleep.

• Acidity or heartburn

  A burning feeling in the chest or throat that can make nausea feel worse.

• Hormonal changes in the first trimester are thought to be one of the main causes.
• It may be more likely in a first pregnancy or when expecting twins or more.
• Women who had severe sickness in a previous pregnancy are more likely to have it again.
• A history of motion sickness or migraines is linked with a higher chance of pregnancy sickness.
• Morning sickness can run in families.
• Sometimes another problem, such as a urinary tract infection, can cause or worsen nausea and vomiting.

Morning sickness is usually recognised from your symptoms and the stage of pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife may ask how often you vomit, whether you can keep fluids down and whether you have lost weight. If sickness is severe, they may check your weight, pulse and blood pressure, test your urine for signs of dehydration or infection, and arrange blood tests. An ultrasound may be advised to check the pregnancy, for example whether you are carrying more than one baby.

Speak to your obstetrician or midwife if sickness is affecting your ability to eat, drink, work or look after yourself, even if it seems "normal" for pregnancy. Do not wait if you cannot keep fluids down for a day, pass very little or very dark urine, feel faint, or vomit blood; these need prompt medical assessment, as severe pregnancy sickness can be treated. Always discuss any medicines, supplements or home remedies with your doctor before taking them in pregnancy.

Food does not cure or treat Morning sickness, but everyday habits can support your overall wellbeing alongside the care your doctor recommends.

• Eat small and often

  Small snacks every two to three hours may be easier than three large meals, since an empty stomach can make nausea worse.

• Start the day gently

  Some women find that a few plain crackers, a rusk or a handful of murmura before getting out of bed may help settle the stomach.

• Sip fluids through the day

  Small, frequent sips of water, nimbu pani, coconut water or thin buttermilk may be easier to keep down than large glasses.

• Choose bland, cool foods

  Cold or room-temperature foods like curd rice, idli or poha often smell less strongly than hot, spicy or fried dishes.

• Try ginger if it suits you

  Ginger in food or a mild ginger tea may help some women. Check with your doctor before using ginger supplements.

• Rest and avoid triggers

  Tiredness can worsen nausea. Rest when you can, keep rooms airy, and let someone else handle strong cooking smells if possible.

Indian foods to include

• Plain khakhra, rusk or crackers
• Curd rice
• Idli or plain dosa
• Poha or upma
• Coconut water
• Thin chaas (buttermilk)
• Banana
• Boiled potato or sweet potato
• Fresh ginger in food or tea
• Moong dal khichdi