What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness is experienced by most mums-to-be at some point, normally in early pregnancy. You may feel mildly queasy, or you may be physically sick. It can come on at any time of day and certain smells might set you off.
It can make you feel absolutely rotten but it shouldn't affect your general health or your baby in any way. Your body has stores of its most essential nutrients to draw on so as long as you get plenty to drink, you'll be fine.
What are the symptoms of Morning sickness?
Symptoms include include feeling or actually being sick and being put off certain foods and even smells.
What are the treatments and remedies of Morning sickness?
It's unlikely you will be given any treatment but try eating little and often and make sure that you don't get too hungry. Try the following:
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat and drink little and often
- Eat plain biscuits before getting up in the morning
- Avoid certain smells or foods that trigger symptoms
- Acupressure bands that you put around your wrist (similar to those used for sea sickness) may help
- Ginger supplements may also help but talk to your GP or pharmacist first.
If you have severe sickness (see Hyperemis gravidarum), you may be prescribed anti-sickness medication by your doctor. If you have ketosis or severe dehydration, you'll need to be admitted to hospital, where you'll be put on a drip to rehydrate you and replace lost nutrients, and the ketosis will be treated.
Because of this, you must tell your midwife or doctor if your pregnancy sickness is severe.
This guide
The information in this Bounty A-Z of Family Health is not a substitute for an examination, diagnosis or treatment by a doctor, midwife, health visitor or any other qualified health professional. If in doubt, always speak to a doctor.
Bounty will not be held responsible or liable for any injury, loss, damage, or illness, however this occurs or appears, after using the information given on this website and in particular the A-Z of Family Health.
Further help
For health advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the NHS offers call and web services. You can also visit NHS websites for services, health information and health news at nhs.uk
- England – call 111 from any landline or mobile phone free of charge, or visit nhs.uk
- Scotland – call 111 from any landline or mobile phone free of charge, or visit nhs24.com
- Wales – call 0845 4647 , or visit nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
- Northern Ireland – visit hscni.net