Morning Sickness

About Morning Sickness

Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting that commonly occurs during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Over half of all pregnant women experience these symptoms. Although it’s called "morning sickness," it can happen at any time of the day. It's important to note that morning sickness does not indicate any harm to your baby. The condition is most likely caused by the rapid increase in pregnancy-related hormones. For most women, the symptoms are mild and typically subside by the second trimester. In fact, some women may not experience any nausea throughout their pregnancy. However, in some cases, women may develop a more severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition involves extreme nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and a significant loss of body weight (more than 5% of pregnancy weight). It may also prevent the woman from getting enough nutrients, resulting in malnourishment. In such cases, hospitalization may be necessary for hydration, medication, and, in rare instances, a feeding tube.

Medical term: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)