Although it’s not a symptom that affects all women, the truth is that many experience morning sickness and vomiting during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. And how uncomfortable it can be! Even though it’s temporary and usually not serious, it can still feel frustrating. Don’t worry: throughout this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this discomfort and share some ideas to help you cope with nausea in the best possible way. Will you join us? Let’s get started.

When do nausea symptoms appear during pregnancy?

Between 50% and 80% of pregnant women report nausea, and 50% experience vomiting and retching. This discomfort usually begins between the fourth and seventh week after the last menstrual period. Although it’s often called “morning sickness” because mornings are commonly associated with symptoms, it isn’t the most common—or the only—time it can occur. Only 2% of women experience symptoms exclusively in the morning. In reality, “morning sickness” can happen at any time of day, either without an obvious reason or in response to a strong or unpleasant smell.

Why do nausea appear during pregnancy?

As for the causes of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, various studies suggest they may be linked to the hormonal changes that occur at the beginning of gestation. Specifically, they are thought to be related to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that begins to be produced in large quantities shortly after the egg is fertilized. Estrogen production also increases, and high levels of both hormones may be associated with hyperemesis gravidarum, which involves severe nausea. The good news is that some hypotheses link these symptoms to the birth of a healthy baby. This was noted in 2010 by various researchers in the magazine Human Reproduction .

How long do pregnancy nausea symptoms last?

If you’re in this situation, you’re probably wondering how long this discomfort will last. It’s estimated that around week 20 of pregnancy , the hormone levels triggered at the beginning of pregnancy stabilize, and that’s when nausea, vomiting, and retching usually subside on their own. Only 5% to 10% of women continue to experience this discomfort throughout the rest of pregnancy. If you haven’t experienced these symptoms, don’t worry: the absence of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy shouldn’t be a cause for concern, as many women with healthy pregnancies report not having any of these symptoms.

When should you see a doctor?

It’s always a good idea to keep your doctor informed about any symptoms during pregnancy. However, it’s especially important to seek medical attention if nausea affects your quality of life or if vomiting is severe and doesn’t improve. Vomiting generally doesn’t affect the baby, but it can cause dehydration due to the loss of fluids and electrolytes (which may lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, a coated tongue, weakness, or headache). In that case, it’s advisable to visit your health center so a professional can assess you and recommend the best treatment.

Can nausea be prevented?

As mentioned above, nausea during pregnancy is believed to stem from the normal hormonal changes of pregnancy. That makes it difficult to prevent, since it isn’t a “problem,” but rather a consequence. What you can do is take a few steps to try to reduce its impact. We suggest:

• Adapting your diet to the new circumstances: Some women feel better if they don’t go many hours without eating and instead have small meals throughout the day rather than larger ones. And, of course, choose a healthy diet—now and always—because it can help you feel less heavy and is a gift to your health. How can you plan a healthy diet? Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, opt for whole grains, choose quality proteins (plant-based, such as legumes, and/or animal-based, such as chicken, eggs, or fish), and include unsalted, unroasted nuts.

• Walking after meals and not lying down immediately afterward: This can also help you manage nausea and reduce episodes as much as possible, as well as other discomforts such as heartburn, which is also closely related to pregnancy hormones.

• Avoid the odors that trigger aversion: During pregnancy, many women notice “disgust” and aversions they’ve never experienced before. Trying to avoid, as much as possible, the smells that trigger these sensations can help you have fewer episodes of discomfort.

• Choose cold foods and drinks: Many women feel better when they drink or eat a cold food instead of something hot, because hot foods can release stronger aromas.

• Add ginger to your recipes: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists includes the consumption of ginger among its non-pharmacological treatment recommendations for nausea. You can grate a little of this ingredient into stews or salads.

• Seek emotional support: Keeping up with everything and feeling good all the time can be difficult. Even during pregnancy, it’s important to give yourself space to rest and allow others to care for you. If you’re feeling unwell, seek support from those around you—friends, family, and colleagues.

Is there treatment for nausea during pregnancy?

In Spain, the Ministry of Health, in its Clinical Practice Guideline for Pregnancy and Postpartum Care , published in 2014, recommends that healthcare professionals offer treatments with priridoxina to relieve nausea during pregnancy. Severe nausea can make it hard to lead a normal life, so it’s advisable to see a doctor so they can prescribe the most appropriate treatment. In the meantime, be patient. This too shall pass—and much sooner than you think.