Morning sickness
Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, most common in the first trimester but often occurring at any time of day or night despite the name. It affects up to 80% of pregnant women and is thought to be triggered by rising levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG. For most women, symptoms peak around weeks 8 to 10 and ease by week 14 to 16. Staying hydrated, eating small frequent meals, avoiding strong smells, and trying plain crackers before getting out of bed can help. Rest when you can and do not skip meals, as an empty stomach often makes nausea worse.
What This Means for You
Understanding Morning sickness is an important part of your first trimester journey. During pregnancy, your care team will use this term regularly. Being familiar with it means you can ask better questions and feel more confident at your antenatal appointments.
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If you cannot keep any food or fluids down, contact your gynae or visit KKH A&E, as this may signal a more serious condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Most mild to moderate cases resolve on their own by the second trimester.
Related Terms
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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