Severe Morning Sickness in Pregnancy: Discover Effective Tips, Symptoms and Causes

Just eight weeks into her pregnancy, Anna found herself curled up on the bathroom floor—again. She had always heard about morning sickness, but this was different. It wasn’t just in the morning, and it wasn’t something crackers or ginger tea could fix. Every attempt to eat foods, drink fluids, or even catch some rest ended in waves of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. For Anna, what started as normal nausea quickly developed into severe morning sickness.

Anna’s story is one many pregnant women can relate to. While most cases are mild and temporary, some experience a more serious condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which requires medical attention. 

What Causes Morning Sickness?

The exact cause of morning sickness remains unclear, but several factors likely play a role:

• Hormonal changes – Rapid rises in hCG and estrogen can trigger nausea.
• Heightened sensitivity – A pregnant woman’s increased sense of smell and taste can make certain foods intolerable.
• Slower digestion – Progesterone relaxes muscles, slowing down digestion, which may increase nausea.
• Previous pregnancy history – Women who had severe nausea and vomiting in a previous pregnancy are more likely to face it again.

Morning Sickness vs. Hyperemesis Gravidarum

While typical nausea is uncomfortable, hyperemesis gravidarum is much more severe. It is characterised by:

• Persistent vomiting during pregnancy
• Inability to keep food or fluid down
• Significant weight loss
• Severe dehydration and fatigue

Unlike regular morning sickness, this condition often requires medical support, such as IV fluids, vitamin B6, and close monitoring to protect both mother and unborn baby.

Symptoms of Morning Sickness

• Mild to severe nausea (any time of the day)
• Vomiting, sometimes multiple times a day
• Loss of appetite or avoidance of certain foods
• Sensitivity to smells, textures, or even smoke
• Dizziness and fatigue if dehydration occurs

 If nausea becomes excessive or you fall asleep often due to exhaustion, consult a health professional immediately.

First Trimester: Why It’s the Hardest

Morning sickness often peaks between weeks 6–12 of pregnancy. Hormone levels are at their highest, which makes nausea and vomiting more intense. Some women improve by the second trimester, while others may continue to experience symptoms until birth.

 

Tips to Manage Morning Sickness Naturally

1. Adjusting Diet

• Eat small, frequent meals instead of three large ones.
• Keep crackers or dry toast by your bed to nibble before getting up.
• Avoid fatty foods and overly rich meals.
• Include protein-rich snacks like yogurt or nuts.
• Drink fluids regularly but sip slowly to avoid worsening nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

2. Ginger and Vitamin B6

• Try ginger tea, biscuits, or capsules to reduce severe nausea.
• Vitamin B6 supplements may help, but it’s always best to check with your doctor before starting any supplement.

3. Identify Triggers

• Avoid foods that may contain Listeria, such as unpasteurised cheeses, smoked seafood, or undercooked meat. These can worsen nausea and carry risks for pregnant women.
• Notice smells (like smoke or perfume) that trigger symptoms and steer clear of them.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Rest when you can; fatigue often makes nausea worse.
• Avoid overheating by wearing light clothing and drinking plenty of water.
• Experiment with the time of the day you eat; some women tolerate dinner better than breakfast.

Quick Reference: Foods That Help vs Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

Category	Safe / Helpful Choices	Avoid / High-Risk Foods
Snacks for nausea	Crackers, dry toast, plain rice, bananas, small protein-rich snacks (yoghurt, nuts)	Fatty foods, greasy meals, and rich desserts worsen nausea
Hydration	Water, clear soups, ginger tea, diluted fruit juice	Sugary sodas, energy drinks, excessive coffee (may increase dehydration)
Protein sources	Well-cooked chicken, eggs (fully cooked), legumes, lean meats	Undercooked meat, raw poultry, smoked seafood, deli meats (may contain listeria or salmonella)
Dairy	Pasteurised milk, hard cheese, and ricotta when cooked	Unpasteurised milk, soft cheeses (brie, camembert), mould-ripened cheese
Seafood	Salmon (cooked), tuna (limit portions), mackerel (cooked)	Swordfish, raw fish, smoked seafood, high-mercury fish
Flavour soothers	Ginger biscuits, tea, vitamin-rich foods (bananas, chickpeas)	Strong-smelling foods, spicy foods, and smoke exposure
General	Fresh fruit & vegetables (washed), small frequent meals	Raw sprouts, reheated leftovers more than once, and foods that may contain Listeria

 Symptom Relief Toolkit for Morning Sickness

Relief Option	How It Helps	Tips for Use
Ginger	Natural anti-nausea aid shown to reduce vomiting during pregnancy	Try ginger tea, biscuits, or capsules after meals
Vitamin B6	Helps reduce nausea, especially in mild to moderate morning sickness	Ask your doctor about safe supplements; also found in bananas, chickpeas, nuts
Crackers / Dry Snacks	Keeps blood sugar stable and eases early-morning nausea	Eat a few crackers before getting out of bed in the morning
Hydration	Prevents dehydration, which worsens nausea and fatigue	Sip water, clear soups, or diluted juice slowly throughout the day
Rest & Sleep	Fatigue can intensify nausea and vomiting during pregnancy	Nap when you can, avoid late nights, and listen to your body
Trigger Management	Reducing exposure to foods and smells that worsen nausea	Avoid smoke, strong perfumes, fatty foods, and foods that may contain listeria

Medical Support and When to Seek Help – Severe Morning Sickness

Seek medical help if you:

• Can’t keep fluids down for more than 24 hours
• Show signs of dehydration: dry mouth, dizziness, or dark urine
• Lose more than 5% of your pre-pregnancy weight
• Feel extremely weak or faint

Doctors may prescribe safe anti-nausea medications, IV fluids, or recommend hospital monitoring. Managing severe morning sickness is essential for a healthy pregnancy and to protect your unborn baby.

Debunking Common Myths

• Morning sickness doesn’t harm your baby if it’s mild and manageable.
• It isn’t just in the morning—it can strike day or night.
• Hyperemesis gravidarum isn’t something you can “tough out.” It requires proper care.

Coping Strategies for Everyday Life

• Plan rest breaks during the first trimester, when symptoms peak.
• Prepare easy-to-digest meals ahead of time.
• Carry small snacks like crackers or fruit to prevent sudden dips in blood sugar.
• Lean on your support system, including partners, friends, and family, who can help with cooking and housework.

Final Thoughts – Severe Morning Sickness

Morning sickness in pregnancy is normal but can be challenging. While most women experience relief after the first trimester, some face ongoing severe nausea and vomiting. Recognising the symptoms of morning sickness, knowing your triggers, and trying remedies like ginger and vitamin B6 can help.

If your symptoms become severe or you suspect hyperemesis gravidarum, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Managing your health ensures a smoother, healthier pregnancy for both you and your unborn baby.

Call-to-Action – Severe Morning Sickness

If morning sickness or fatigue overwhelms your first trimester, remember—you don’t have to go through it alone.

Start journaling your symptoms with our Pregnancy Journal—a tool to track triggers and progress.
Join our Parenting Genie Community to connect with other mums who understand.
Get real-time advice anytime through Genie Chat—your 24/7 parenting expert.

The Parenting Genie website has comprehensive resources and tools.

The Raising Children website offers valuable tips and insights on morning sickness.