Morning sickness: what helps and when it’s serious

Morning sickness means nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. The NHS says about 8 in 10 pregnant women feel or are sick. It doesn’t usually put your baby at risk, but there are treatments if it’s getting in the way of your life.

Checked against NHS and ACOG guidance. Not reviewed by a clinician. Last updated 5 November 2026. How we check.

Get help if you’re being sick and have any of these

The NHS says to call your midwife, GP or 111. In the US, call your ob-gyn.

Very dark pee, or no pee for more than 8 hours
You can’t keep food or fluids down for 24 hours
You feel very weak, dizzy or faint when standing
Tummy pain
A high temperature
You’re vomiting blood
You’ve lost weight

When does it start and stop?

ACOG says it usually starts before 9 weeks and has gone by 14 weeks for most women. The NHS says it usually clears up by weeks 16 to 20. It can happen at any time of day, not just in the morning.

Having no sickness is fine too. Read why missing symptoms don’t usually mean a problem.

What helps nausea

Rest, and avoid foods and smells that set it off
Try dry toast
Eat small, frequent, plain meals that are high in carbohydrate and low in fat
Try cold food
Sip fluids
Ginger has some evidence, but check before taking supplements
Try acupressure wrist bands

Medicines for nausea and vomiting

If self-care isn’t enough, ask for treatment. ACOG says vitamin B6 may be tried first, doxylamine can be added, and a prescription combination is also available, with other anti-sickness medicines after that. The NHS says a GP may recommend an anti-sickness medicine, often an antihistamine.

Check any medicine with a professional first, and see what’s known about other medicines in pregnancy. ACOG says there’s no evidence that cannabis helps.

Severe morning sickness: hyperemesis gravidarum

This is severe sickness, and the NHS says it affects 1 to 3 in 100 pregnant women. It may not improve by 16 to 20 weeks. ACOG says it may be diagnosed when someone has lost 5% of their pre-pregnancy weight and has signs of dehydration.

Tell your midwife, doctor or hospital as soon as you can. Treatment can include fluids through a drip, anti-sickness medicine and steroids. The NHS says it’s unlikely to harm your baby if it’s treated. It’s likely to come back in another pregnancy, so talk early about medicine if you plan another baby.

When it could be something else

ACOG says your doctor may look for another cause if sickness starts for the first time after 9 weeks, or comes with tummy pain, fever, headache or swelling at the front of your neck. The NHS adds that urine infections can cause sickness. Vomiting can also be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

Questions people ask

Does morning sickness only happen in the morning?

No. It can happen at any time of day.

How long does morning sickness last?

ACOG says it has gone by 14 weeks for most women. The NHS says it usually clears up by weeks 16 to 20. Severe sickness may not improve by then, so ask for help.

Does morning sickness harm the baby?

Usually not. The NHS says it doesn’t put your baby at increased risk. Severe sickness needs treatment, but it’s unlikely to harm your baby if it’s treated.