When does morning sickness stop?

If you’re counting the days until you feel normal again, you’re not alone. Here’s when morning sickness usually stops, why it can last longer for some people, and when it needs help.

When it usually stops

The NHS says morning sickness usually clears up by weeks 16 to 20 of pregnancy. It’s very common in early pregnancy, and the NHS says the hormone changes in the first 12 weeks are probably a cause. For many people it eases noticeably around the end of the first trimester, but this varies a lot.

Some people feel better much sooner, and some find that it comes and goes. A day of feeling fine doesn’t mean it’s over, and a bad day doesn’t mean it won’t ease.

If it carries on past 20 weeks

Some people have sickness for longer, and a few have it throughout pregnancy. Tell your midwife or GP if it’s still affecting you, because there are medicines that are safe to use. The NHS says if your symptoms are severe and don’t improve, a GP may prescribe a short-term course of an anti-sickness medicine (an antiemetic) that’s safe in pregnancy. It’s often an antihistamine-type tablet.

What can help in the meantime

The NHS suggests:

resting, because tiredness can make nausea worse
eating small, frequent, plain, carbohydrate-rich meals
trying cold foods if hot smells bother you
avoiding foods or smells that make you feel sick
having something like dry toast or a plain biscuit in the morning
drinking plenty of fluids
trying acupressure and foods or drinks containing ginger

There are more ideas in 8 tips for dealing with morning sickness and morning sickness: what you need to know.

When to get help

The NHS says to call your midwife, GP or NHS 111 if you’re being sick and you have any of the following:

very dark urine, or you haven’t peed for more than 8 hours
you can’t keep food or fluids down for 24 hours
weakness, dizziness or fainting when you stand
tummy pain or a high temperature
blood in your vomit, or you’re losing weight

These can be signs of dehydration, or of hyperemesis gravidarum, which is severe sickness. The NHS says this can be serious, with a risk of dehydration and malnutrition, and you may need specialist treatment, sometimes in hospital. It’s not something to push through, and you’re not complaining too much by asking for help.

Questions people ask

Does it only happen in the morning?

No. Despite the name, it can happen at any time of day or all day.

Will I be sick for the whole pregnancy?

Most people aren’t. The NHS says it usually clears by 16 to 20 weeks, and treatment is available if it doesn’t.