Nausea and/or vomiting in pregnancy is often known as ‘morning sickness’, although it can happen at any time during the day or all day. Morning sickness is quite common, especially in early pregnancy but usually resolves by 16/20weeks.

 It is caused by hormonal changes in your body and rest assured it is not a danger to your baby. Not all pregnant women experience it, (Lucky them!) and the amount and severity of sickness varies from person to person. Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a severe form of pregnancy sickness including vomiting, weight loss, dizziness & potential for dehydration. It can last the entire pregnancy & may require hospitalisation. However, managing moderate morning sickness is possible and we have complied a list of ways to do so to help you feel your best!

WAYS TO MANAGE MORNING SICKNESS

• Rest as much as possible, as being tired can make you feel sicker
• Keep well hydrated, especially if you are not eating much. To avoid dehydration, sip on drinks throughout the day. Using straws can make drinking easier, as can adding ice to drinks. Aim for 200mls/1 glass per hour.
• Eat small amounts often, nibble at crackers, bread or any dry plain food. Long periods without food will make you feel sick. Pregnancy is one of the few occasions where eating can make nausea/vomiting better (So enjoy that if you can!)
• Have some crackers or dry food beside your bed that you can nibble on in the night or when you wake up to prevent nausea in the mornings
• Eat when you are hungry, sound obvious 
• Eat high energy food in small amounts, such as nuts, cheese, yoghurt, avocado
• Avoid food smells that will put you off eating. Eat food cold if necessary – it smells less
• Try food or drinks with ginger, some evidence suggests ginger can help with nausea
• Take your pregnancy multivitamin, such as Proceive, at a time you do not feel sick, & try to take it with food, on a full stomach.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP

• Sometimes your level of morning sickness may be unbearable, and you should not suffer without seeking professional help. If your sickness is interfering with your ability to function at work or home, you may need some time off work or to be prescribed an anti-sickness medication called an antiemetic
• If you cannot hold fluids or food down for over 24 hours, your pee is extremely dark, you feel dizzy & are losing weight, you should seek medical attention immediately. 
• You may have Hyperemesis Gravidarum and you might be admitted to the hospital to be rehydrated & to receive ongoing support.