Morning Sickness



The condition is now usually referred to as "NVP," for "nausea and vomiting during pregnancy." NVP may last longer than the first trimester—some women can suffer from symptoms for the entire nine months. A small percentage of women also suffer such severe symptoms that they become dehydrated and malnourished, and are hospitalized for treatment. This condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum.

Nobody really knows the exact reason why pregnant women have morning sickness. The most commonly thought reason is the natural increase in hormones, especially human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. Women who are having twins or multiples have much higher levels of hCG than women who carry one baby, and they are more prone to nausea and vomiting. The high estrogen levels in pregnancy may also play a role.

A positive spin on the role of hormones

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, morning sickness results from a sudden increase in hormone levels released during pregnancy. Nausea may continue until the body adjusts to these new levels. Among women who experience morning sickness, symptoms peak precisely when organ development is most susceptible to chemical disruption, between the first month and up to the 16th week of pregnancy. Morning sickness may be a positive indicator that the placenta is developing well, since hCG comes from a placenta that is healthy and growing normally. Women with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy may have a lower rate of miscarriage. 

Hormones as culprits

Women who suffer from morning sickness should discuss it with their pregnancy care provider before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) medications. If a woman has gone one-half to a full day without keeping any food or fluid down, or is losing weight, she should contact her provider immediately.

Most important, eat and drink what you can, no matter what its nutritional value. Staying hydrated is important.

Tips to ease morning sickness


  • Avoid smells that bother you. Pregnancy hormones tend to enhance your sense of smell and cause you to be sickened by certain potent odors.

  • Slow down. Get up slowly in the morning and sit on the side of your bed for a few minutes. Possibly eat something bland, like crackers, before arising from bed.


  • Drink fluids often during the day. Teas and cold drinks that are bubbly may help.



