Some women have morning sickness when they wake up while others have periods of nausea or vomiting at any time during the day. Thankfully, most women don’t have to suffer this unpleasantness for very long. Usually morning sickness ends around week 12, though some may find they still feel nauseated at times of the day for a month or so longer.

Why Am I Sick?

The causes for morning sickness are unclear. However, during the beginning of pregnancy, your body is hard at work secreting different hormones that your body needs to carry a healthy baby through 37 weeks of pregnancy. Until your body adjusts to these increased hormone levels you’ll be feeling a little ‘green around the gills.’

Tips to Get You Through:

• If morning is your worst time, keep a few crackers next to the bed. Sometimes a few bites will settle your stomach enough to rise without vomiting.
  
  
• Smaller meals eaten throughout the day may help. Sometimes a little food in the stomach keeps nausea at bay.
  
  
• Try to eat as nutritiously as possible.
  
  
• Keep yourself hydrated, especially if you’re vomiting a lot. Dehydration will land you in the emergency room for IV fluids. If you find you can’t keep down large amounts of liquid, try sucking on ice or eating popsicles. Sometimes drinking before and after a meal instead of during helps to settle the stomach.
  
  
• Avoid foods and smells that trigger nausea. Some women can’t stand the smell of coffee while others have aversions to raw meat or vegetables.
  
  
• Ginger has been found to be a natural method of controlling morning sickness. Some people take ginger tea, while others munch on gingersnap cookies or drink ginger ale. There are also ginger capsules available, but ask your doctor first before taking.
  
  
• Some people find salty foods, like potato chips, help to settle the stomach so they can eat some healthier food choices afterwards.