Sickness during pregnancy is common, but for many it can be debilitating
Common myths about morning sickness
1. It only happens in the morning
While it got its name due to many people experiencing symptoms in the morning, a lot of sufferers can feel sick at any time of the day.
"I used to get terrible nausea in the evenings," Sodapop1 shared. "I’m currently 7+2 and my nausea from around 5pm is awful," CMG92 added.
2. Sickness means you’re having a girl
Studies on morning sickness and gender are varied, so nausea can strike whether you're having a boy or girl.
"Had HG and had a boy, so no truth for me!" WYorkshireRose shared.
3. Morning sickness poses a danger to the baby
Mild to moderate cases are typically not dangerous for a baby, but they can still have a significant impact on the expectant mother. Severe cases, like HG, can pose a danger if they go untreated, so it's important to seek help.
4. Nausea means a healthy pregnancy
Sadly, this myth just adds to the idea that feeling awful is a normal or expected part of pregnancy. The truth is, plenty of people have healthy pregnancies without any morning sickness at all.
"I'm expecting my third, and have never had any sickness or nausea throughout any of my pregnancies,” Element4056 says. “ I just count myself lucky!"
5. You just need to grin and bear it
Pregnancy-related nausea is driven by hormonal changes and can be incredibly challenging, especially when you're balancing a full-time job or caring for other children. You don't have to just tough it out, as there are treatment and management options available that can ease symptoms or help you cope more comfortably.
In more severe cases, medical treatment is important, so don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help.
What treatment and management options are available?
As with many aspects of pregnancy, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for managing nausea. What helps one person might not work for another, so it’s worth exploring different options to see what suits you best.
The Pregnancy Sickness Hub is a great resource for advice, support and community for pregnant people experiencing sickness and nausea.
They suggest firstly to identify your triggers. If hunger causes sickness, ensure you’re snacking throughout the day and maybe even having a pre-bed bite to eat. If a feeling of fullness triggers nausea, consider smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Keep food bland and easy to manage, like plain toast, dry crackers and plain biscuits.
If bright lights impact you, consider lowering the screen brightness at work. Sounds can also be triggers, so you may want to use earplugs or tune into some calming white, pink or brown noise to help focus.
Stay hydrated too. Drink small sips of water throughout the day, especially after you’ve been sick. Ginger may help calm an upset stomach, and some people find a sense of relief with ginger biscuits, crystallised ginger or ginger tea.
If smells make you feel sick, try dabbing essential oils onto a tissue and sniffing the scent when needed. You could also try cutting a lemon in half and sniffing it.
Acupuncture bracelets may also offer relief, as studies have found that pressure points can be effective in relieving symptoms.
Did you know? The Princess of Wales suffered from HG and is reported to have found the mindfulness and meditation techniques used for hypnobirthing effective.
When should you seek further help?
As soon as your sickness starts to impact your everyday life, reach out to your doctor. They may suggest you try other lifestyle changes first, but if you feel you’ve exhausted them all, your GP may be able to prescribe anti-sickness treatment. Seek help sooner rather than later, as research has shown that early use of treatments can make them more effective.
So, if you're struggling, know that you're not alone, and support is out there. As soon as your sickness starts to interfere with daily life, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor. Getting help early is key, and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself.
As one user put it on a recent Mumsnet thread: “Don’t let yourself get to that point where you are so sick you can’t function.”
Pregnancy can be tough, but you don’t have to push through it alone. Support, treatment, and relief are all within reach.
About Pregnancy Sickness Hub
Developed and funded by Exeltis UK Ltd., the website Pregnancy Sickness Hub is a UK information hub dedicated to nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, including hyperemesis gravidarum. Offering clear advice, a free symptom tracker and support to help you start the right conversation with your healthcare professional.