For many women, it’s often the first sign of pregnancy: morning nausea and vomiting. And for good reason! In this article, you’ll find answers to your questions to help you cope with this unwanted side effect more calmly.

Why do many expectant mothers experience nausea during the first months of pregnancy?

During the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, it’s common to experience nausea regularly, often accompanied by vomiting. These symptoms often occur in the morning or evening, and for some women, even throughout the day. According to experts, nausea is thought to be caused by hormonal changes at the beginning of pregnancy—especially the increased production of the pregnancy hormone “human chorionic gonadotropin,” abbreviated as hCG. Its production is said to double during the first weeks after fertilization. This hormone reflects the development of the pregnancy and is very important. Unfortunately, these side effects can be quite unpleasant for many women.

How long do the nausea last?

After about three months, hCG levels stabilize, and nausea and vomiting generally decrease. However, some women continue to be affected for a few more weeks, though this is the exception rather than the rule.

Are morning nausea symptoms dangerous?

Generally, pregnancy-related side effects are harmless; they’re often a positive sign of the rapid rise in pregnancy hormones. For this reason, you typically don’t need to worry about your health or that of your unborn baby. A visit to the doctor is only necessary if your nausea is severe, even when your stomach is empty. This can affect your metabolism and lead to increased fluid loss, potentially causing dehydration or electrolyte loss. In such cases, hospitalization may be necessary. In particularly severe cases of nausea, also called "hyperemesis gravidarum", hospitalization is often unavoidable; fortunately, these cases are very rare.

How to prevent nausea?

Although there’s no miracle solution to prevent nausea, certain steps can help reduce it:

• Adjust your diet: avoid going too long without eating. It’s often recommended to have small, light snacks several times a day instead of three large meals. Of course, only eat the foods you crave and enjoy. Also, avoid foods and dishes that are too heavy or too spicy, and choose low-fat meals.

• Drink plenty of water or light, non-carbonated beverages.

• Incorporate ginger into your diet, as its antiemetic properties can help soothe the stomach and reduce nausea. Our tip: fresh ginger infusion Peel and grate two pieces of fresh ginger root into a cup. Pour in hot water and let it steep for 5 minutes. You can also add a little lemon juice and honey.

• Rest, as fatigue can worsen nausea during pregnancy.

• Try acupuncture; when used selectively, it can also help reduce nausea.

What medications can help reduce nausea?

First, try the tips above to soothe nausea during pregnancy. If they don’t help, certain medications may provide relief. Your doctor or gynecologist is best placed to determine the most appropriate treatment, so don’t hesitate to discuss it with them.

If you’re dealing with morning sickness, we sincerely hope these tips help you get through the first weeks of pregnancy more comfortably—and that the side effects disappear quickly. It will happen sooner than you think!