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Morning sickness

Last updated: 05 January 2012

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What is Morning sickness

Morning sickness affects different people in different ways, although most mums-to-be experience it in some form. 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 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.

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