Morning sickness in pregnancy: whats normal, whats not and when to get help

Pregnancy can be such an exciting and special time. Youre growing a life and getting ready to welcome someone new into the world. Whether its your first baby or youre adding to your brood, theres a lot to look forward to.

But let's face it, its not easy at times. As well as symptoms like aches, pains, fatigue and sleepless nights, many pregnancies are also made tougher by nausea.

Nausea and vomiting (aka morning sickness) can impact pregnancies differently, with some experiencing next to no symptoms while others are blighted throughout the duration. It might feel like just another thing to power through, but whats normal, and when is it time to get help?

What is NVP and how common is it?

NVP stands for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. According to the NHS, around 8 out of every 10 pregnant women will experience sickness and nausea during pregnancy, with symptoms typically starting between the fourth and seventh week.

Symptoms of nausea can vary in pregnancy. Some sufferers experience a few bouts of nausea, whereas others feel sick when triggered by smells, hunger, or fatigue. Some individuals find that the feelings come and go throughout the day.

For most, nausea tends to ease up by around 20 weeks, but for some it can last longer. In more severe cases, excessive vomiting during pregnancy is known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

What is the impact of NVP on daily life?

While sickness in pregnancy may be a common symptom, it can be very debilitating. It can make it hard to get out of bed, a struggle to get through the working day and a chore to keep down food.

Cant cope with morning sickness! Beau10 shared on our Talk board, asking for remedies. I work 25 hours a week and have not yet told my work but finding it increasingly difficult to actually do my job effectively.

I feel like a terrible mother to my four year old as I can't get myself to move or play most nights due to the nausea.

"Such a lonely experience," Lillipike shared elsewhere. "I want a hug but I don't at the same time. The guilt I can't look after the home like I normally do. I can't think of anything else but the nausea/sick feeling."

For more severe cases, like HG, it can lead to severe dehydration and weight loss. It can also have a significant impact on a persons mental health, with Pregnancy Sickness Support stating that more than 25% of people suffering from HG will have suicidal thoughts.

While the NHS say HG cases are thought to impact roughly 1 to 3 in every 100, exact figures arent known as so many cases go unreported. It's important to seek help if you're struggling.

Sickness during pregnancy is common, but for many it can be debilitating

Common myths about morning sickness

1. It only happens in the morning

While it got its name due to many people experiencing symptoms in the morning, a lot of sufferers can feel sick at any time of the day.

"I used to get terrible nausea in the evenings," Sodapop1 shared. "Im currently 7+2 and my nausea from around 5pm is awful," CMG92 added.

2. Sickness means youre having a girl

Studies on morning sickness and gender are varied, so nausea can strike whether you're having a boy or girl.

"Had HG and had a boy, so no truth for me!" WYorkshireRose shared.

3. Morning sickness poses a danger to the baby

Mild to moderate cases are typically not dangerous for a baby, but they can still have a significant impact on the expectant mother. Severe cases, like HG, can pose a danger if they go untreated, so it's important to seek help.

4. Nausea means a healthy pregnancy

Sadly, this myth just adds to the idea that feeling awful is a normal or expected part of pregnancy. The truth is, plenty of people have healthy pregnancies without any morning sickness at all.

"I'm expecting my third, and have never had any sickness or nausea throughout any of my pregnancies, Element4056 says. I just count myself lucky!"

5. You just need to grin and bear it

Pregnancy-related nausea is driven by hormonal changes and can be incredibly challenging, especially when you're balancing a full-time job or caring for other children. You don't have to just tough it out, as there are treatment and management options available that can ease symptoms or help you cope more comfortably.

In more severe cases, medical treatment is important, so don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

What treatment and management options are available?

As with many aspects of pregnancy, theres no one-size-fits-all solution for managing nausea. What helps one person might not work for another, so its worth exploring different options to see what suits you best.

The Pregnancy Sickness Hub is a great resource for advice, support and community for pregnant people experiencing sickness and nausea.

They suggest firstly to identify your triggers. If hunger causes sickness, ensure youre snacking throughout the day and maybe even having a pre-bed bite to eat. If a feeling of fullness triggers nausea, consider smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Keep food bland and easy to manage, like plain toast, dry crackers and plain biscuits.

If bright lights impact you, consider lowering the screen brightness at work. Sounds can also be triggers, so you may want to use earplugs or tune into some calming white, pink or brown noise to help focus.

Stay hydrated too. Drink small sips of water throughout the day, especially after youve been sick. Ginger may help calm an upset stomach, and some people find a sense of relief with ginger biscuits, crystallised ginger or ginger tea.

If smells make you feel sick, try dabbing essential oils onto a tissue and sniffing the scent when needed. You could also try cutting a lemon in half and sniffing it.

Acupuncture bracelets may also offer relief, as studies have found that pressure points can be effective in relieving symptoms.

Did you know? The Princess of Wales suffered from HG and is reported to have found the mindfulness and meditation techniques used for hypnobirthing effective.

When should you seek further help?

As soon as your sickness starts to impact your everyday life, reach out to your doctor. They may suggest you try other lifestyle changes first, but if you feel youve exhausted them all, your GP may be able to prescribe anti-sickness treatment. Seek help sooner rather than later, as research has shown that early use of treatments can make them more effective.

So, if you're struggling, know that you're not alone, and support is out there. As soon as your sickness starts to interfere with daily life, dont hesitate to speak to your doctor. Getting help early is key, and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself.

As one user put it on a recent Mumsnet thread: Dont let yourself get to that point where you are so sick you cant function.

Pregnancy can be tough, but you dont have to push through it alone. Support, treatment, and relief are all within reach.

About Pregnancy Sickness Hub

Developed and funded by Exeltis UK Ltd., the website Pregnancy Sickness Hub is a UK information hub dedicated to nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, including hyperemesis gravidarum. Offering clear advice, a free symptom tracker and support to help you start the right conversation with your healthcare professional.

About the author

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decades experience in the industry. Hailing from London, shes a working mum of one whos all too familiar with pregnancy nausea. Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.

EXE-E/INP-CORP-2327-v1 Sept 2025