Medicines for Morning sickness

What it is

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and it is very common, affecting the majority of pregnant women to some degree. Despite the name, it can happen at any time of the day or night, not just in the morning. It usually begins in the early weeks of pregnancy (often around weeks 6–8), and for most women it eases and settles by around weeks 16–20, though a minority experience it for longer. It is thought to be related to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. Typical symptoms are feelings of nausea, sometimes with vomiting, and food aversions or heightened sensitivity to certain smells. Although it can be unpleasant and wearing, ordinary morning sickness is not usually harmful to the baby, and does not mean anything is wrong. However, a small number of women develop a much more severe form, called hyperemesis gravidarum, with persistent, severe vomiting that prevents keeping food or fluids down and can lead to dehydration and weight loss — this needs medical assessment and treatment. So while morning sickness itself is common and usually harmless, it is important to recognise the warning signs that indicate a more serious problem.

How it is treated

Ordinary morning sickness is usually managed with simple self-help measures, as it typically settles on its own by the middle of pregnancy. Helpful measures include: getting plenty of rest (tiredness can worsen nausea); eating small, frequent meals or snacks rather than large meals, and eating something plain (such as dry toast or a plain biscuit) before getting up in the morning; avoiding foods or smells that trigger nausea; drinking fluids little and often to stay hydrated (cold, fizzy, or sour drinks may be easier); and some women find ginger or acupressure bands helpful. If nausea and vomiting are more troublesome, a GP or midwife can advise, and anti-sickness medicines that are considered suitable in pregnancy can be prescribed when needed. The important thing is to seek medical help if symptoms are severe — if you cannot keep food or fluids down, are vomiting many times a day, show signs of dehydration (such as passing little, dark urine), lose weight, or feel very unwell — as this may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, which needs assessment and treatment (sometimes including fluids and medicines). The reassuring message is that morning sickness, though unpleasant, is common and usually harmless and settles by around weeks 16–20; simple measures help, treatment is available if needed, and severe symptoms should always be checked.