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 - femalesConsiderations
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 until the 14th to 16th week. 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, traveling, or some foods can make the problem worse.
References
Heinrichs L. Linking olfaction with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, recurrent abortion, hyperemesis gravidarum, and migraine headache. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002; 186(5 Suppl Understanding): S215-S219.
Quinla JD. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Am Fam Physician. 2003; 68(1): 121-128.
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