What Causes Morning Sickness? Symptoms & Recovery During Pregnancy
- October 7, 2025
- Abrol Hospital
What Is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting that usually occur during early pregnancy. While its name suggests it happens in the morning, it can actually occur any time of day. Most women begin to feel symptoms around the 6th week of pregnancy, and it typically fades by week 14 to 16. However, some women may continue experiencing mild nausea throughout their pregnancy.
It’s a completely natural and common condition — studies show that nearly 70–80% of pregnant women experience some form of morning sickness. The biggest influence comes from hormonal imbalance, particularly the sharp increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen.
Additionally, during pregnancy, the body becomes more sensitive to smells and tastes, making certain odors or foods trigger nausea. Stress, fatigue, and even genetics also play major roles.
Difference Between Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is the extreme version of morning sickness. Unlike typical nausea, it involves severe and persistent vomiting, dehydration, rapid weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances.
If you find yourself unable to keep even fluids down for over 24 hours, feel dizzy, or lose more than 5% of your pre-pregnancy weight, it’s important to seek medical help.
HG requires medical treatment and possibly hospitalization, but with proper care, both mother and baby can remain healthy.
Hormonal Influence on Morning Sickness
The Role of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after implantation. Its levels double every few days in early pregnancy and peak around the end of the first trimester. Researchers believe that higher hCG levels are directly linked to stronger nausea. This is why women carrying twins or triplets — who naturally have more hCG — often experience more intense morning sickness.
Impact of Estrogen Levels
Estrogen, another key pregnancy hormone, rises rapidly in early pregnancy. This hormone affects the brain’s vomiting center and slows digestion, which can make a woman feel full and nauseated. Estrogen also heightens the sense of smell, turning everyday scents like coffee or perfume into powerful triggers for nausea.
Common Symptoms of Morning Sickness
Morning sickness typically includes:
Nausea – A queasy feeling that may or may not lead to vomiting.
Vomiting – Often in response to certain smells or tastes.
Food Aversions – Suddenly disliking foods you once loved.
Loss of Appetite – Eating may feel unpleasant, especially early in the day.
Increased Saliva – Some women produce more saliva, making nausea worse.
The intensity varies: while some women only feel mild queasiness, others may struggle to keep food down.
Relief Options for Morning Sickness
1. Dietary Habits
Eat small, frequent meals every few hours instead of heavy ones. Keep snacks like crackers nearby, and try eating something light before getting out of bed. Avoid foods with strong smells or spices, and choose mild options such as rice or boiled potatoes. Staying hydrated is also crucial—sip water, coconut water, or herbal teas like ginger and chamomile throughout the day.
2. Natural Remedies
Ginger, peppermint, and lemon are classic home remedies that ease nausea. You can sip them as teas, smell their oils, or add them to your meals. Vitamin B6 supplements or foods rich in B6 (like bananas and avocados) can also help, but check with your doctor first. Acupressure wristbands are another simple, side-effect-free option that many pregnant women find helpful.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments
Rest well and avoid fatigue—it can worsen nausea. Keep your surroundings fresh by ventilating rooms and avoiding strong cooking odors. Managing stress with meditation, light yoga, or breathing exercises also helps. Small daily changes—like brushing teeth after meals or using unscented products—can make a big difference.
4. Emotional Support
Morning sickness can affect your mood and energy. Talking with your partner, joining prenatal support groups, or doing light activities like walking or yoga can lift your spirits and make the journey easier.
🩺 Struggling with Morning Sickness? We’re Here to Help!
If you’re struggling with persistent morning sickness during pregnancy, don’t wait for it to get worse. Our experienced gynecologists and maternity care specialists at Abrol Hospital, the best Hospital in Gurdaspur provide personalized guidance, safe treatments, and complete prenatal support to help you feel better and ensure a healthy pregnancy.
📞 Book your consultation today at Abrol Hospital, Gurdaspur, and let our experts help you manage your symptoms with care and confidence.
FAQs About Morning Sickness during Pregnancy
Morning sickness usually starts around the 6th week of pregnancy and can continue through the first trimester. Some women may experience it a bit earlier or later depending on hormone levels and body sensitivity.
The best remedies for morning sickness include ginger tea, small frequent meals, and Vitamin B6 supplements (after doctor consultation). Staying hydrated and avoiding strong food smells can also ease nausea effectively.
To stop pregnancy sickness naturally, try eating dry crackers before getting up, sipping peppermint or ginger tea, and practicing deep breathing. Avoid skipping meals, and get plenty of rest to reduce nausea during pregnancy.
Foods that help fight nausea include bananas, applesauce, rice, crackers, plain yogurt, and boiled potatoes. Avoid greasy or spicy dishes and choose light, bland meals to ease morning sickness symptoms.
They can be, when performed by a licensed chiropractor. However, they’re not suitable for everyone, especially those with spinal instability or disc issues.
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