Morning Sickness: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What Helps

When you’re pregnant, morning sickness, a common condition involving nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy. It’s called morning sickness, but it can hit at any time—breakfast, lunch, or 2 a.m. About 70-80% of pregnant people experience it, usually starting around week 6 and fading by week 12-14. It’s not a sign something’s wrong—it’s actually a normal part of pregnancy for most. The real question isn’t whether you’ll get it, but how bad it’ll be and what you can do about it.

What causes it? It’s not just hormones, though those play a big role. hCG, a hormone that spikes early in pregnancy and triggers nausea in many levels rise fast, and your body isn’t used to them. estrogen, another pregnancy hormone that increases sensitivity to smells and stomach irritation also ramps up. Add in a slower digestive system, stress, or even an empty stomach, and you’ve got the perfect storm. Some people get it mildly—just a little queasiness. Others feel like they’re constantly on the edge of vomiting. It’s not the same for everyone.

And here’s the thing: it’s not just about food. Strong smells—coffee, perfume, cooked meat—can set it off. Even thinking about a meal you ate yesterday might make you sick. You might feel fine one minute and then suddenly need to lie down. That’s normal. What’s not normal is if you can’t keep down any fluids for 24 hours, lose weight, or feel dizzy when you stand. That’s something to call your provider about.

So what actually works? Ginger tea, plain crackers before you get out of bed, small meals every few hours, and staying hydrated with sips of water or electrolyte drinks help more than you’d think. Vitamin B6, often paired with doxylamine (an antihistamine), is backed by studies and approved for use in pregnancy. Acupressure wristbands? Some swear by them. Anti-nausea meds? They exist and are safe when prescribed. You don’t have to suffer through this alone.

And while most cases fade by the second trimester, a few people keep feeling it longer. That’s okay too. There’s no shame in needing help. The goal isn’t to push through it silently—it’s to find relief so you can rest, eat, and focus on your health. The posts below cover real strategies: what works, what doesn’t, what’s safe during pregnancy, and when to ask for more support. You’ll find practical tips from people who’ve been there, plus science-backed options you can talk to your doctor about. No fluff. Just what helps.