Health Topics for Pregnancy and Childbirth

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Department of Pediatrics

UI Family Care Center

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Morning sickness

Many women experience nausea and vomiting early in their pregnancy. This symptom is called "morning sickness." It is not understood why some women have morning sickness, but women with high levels of pregnancy hormones tend to develop this symptom. It usually goes away after the 16th week in the second trimester, when the level of pregnancy hormones in your body falls.

Things that trigger or worsen morning sickness:

• An empty stomach. Keep some crackers by your bed, eat a few before getting up. Also, eat a protein food like meat or cheese before going to bed. Your stomach will not feel as empty in the morning because protein takes a long time to digest.
• Quick, sudden movements. When you get up, get up slowly. Quick, sudden movements often make morning sickness worse.
• Low blood sugar. Eat 5 to 6 small meals rather than 3 large meals. Blood sugar levels normally drop three to four hours after a meal. Eating small amounts of food every 2 to 3 hours will keep your blood sugar stable.
• Lack of B vitamins. Eat green leafy vegetables and take prenatal vitamins that have been prescribed for you.

Other suggestions are:

• drink salty fluids such as broth, cola, or Gatorade
• avoid strong odors
• try small sips of carbonated beverages and fruit juices between meals
• do not overeat
• do not drink liquids with your meals and
• avoid greasy, fried, or spicy foods that may upset your stomach

Morning sickness is usually not severe and lasts a short time. However, in a small number of women it can be severe and last the full pregnancy. Contact your prenatal care provider if these self- care suggestions do not control the problem.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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