Around half of all pregnant women will experience some type of sickness during their pregnancy.

The most likely reason for this is because of the high levels of pregnancy hormone, HCG in your system.

Most often, ‘sickness’ refers to feeling nauseous but can involve episodes of vomiting. Fortunately, it is usually more of a problem in the first trimester (the first three months) and for most women their hormones will settle down after this.

The phrase morning sickness can be misleading: for some women the nausea is confined to the early hours, but for many feelings of sickness can continue throughout the day and, for an unlucky few, throughout the three trimesters.

Although there is little you can do to actually stop it, you can follow these simple tips to help you cope with morning sickness:

1. Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are vomiting a lot. The last thing you want is to get dehydrated as this can be harmful for both you and your baby. Take small sips of water rather than gulping and, if you think you can handle it, try drinking a few sips of a sports energy drink to replace lost sugars.

2. Avoid the aroma and sight of foods that make your stomach turn. If the smell of frying bacon sends you hurtling towards the bathroom, ban it from the house, plain and simple. Talk to your partner, family or housemates and explain the situation, you will be surprised at how understanding they can be.

3. Eating a dry biscuit or piece of toast on waking can help alleviate symptoms of sickness. Ginger has been attributed as a sickness combatant, so stock up on ginger biscuits and keep them on your bedside table or your drawer at work so you can have a nibble when you feel hungry, as feeling hungry often makes the nausea worse.

4. Foods high in starch, like bread and potatoes, may help to keep blood sugar levels high and make your stomach feel full. If your stomach feels full, your nausea may be lessened.

5. This is the time to forget about being dieting. If you suffer badly from sickness and all you feel like eating is chips – do it. Morning sickness is temporary and if you don’t manage to eat you could be risking serious problems. As long as you are not eating foods that are unsafe in pregnancy, this is a time when anything goes.

6. Stick to bland foods rather than fatty, acidic or spicy foods that are harder to digest and may irritate your digestive system.

7. If you go to work by public transport, leave extra time for your journey in case you have to leave the train to get some air. Take ginger biscuits to nibble on throughout your journey and bring along something that will distract you, like a magazine, book or some music.

When can morning sickness be dangerous?
If you simply can't keep any food down at all, it may be time to see a GP as you'll be losing vital liquids, nutrients and minerals that are needed for you and your baby.

If you are being sick a lot, it may lead you to suffer from dehydration - a condition that is called Hyperemesis gravidarum and which requires medical attention. If your symptoms are serious you may need a spell in hospital and will be given fluids through a drip to help you to feel better. Luckily, Hyperemesis gravidarum usually subsides by the 14th week of pregnancy. There is nothing you can do to prevent this condition happening, but if you cannot keep fluids and food down at all, contact your GP or midwife immediately.

Last Modified: 03/07/2007