All You Need To Know About Morning Sickness And Simple Ways To Deal With It

Morning sickness is a well-known aspect of pregnancy that many expectant mothers dread, but the experience can vary widely. For some women, it’s an all-consuming struggle, while others may not feel the effects at all. If you’re trying to conceive, the onset of morning sickness can often serve as an early sign of pregnancy. Many find themselves asking, “When does morning sickness start?” — and it’s understandable to want to be prepared for what lies ahead.

When does morning sickness start in pregnancy?

According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, morning sickness typically begins between week 4 and week 7 of pregnancy. For some, it may start as just a wave of nausea, while others might experience more intense symptoms, including vomiting and, in severe cases, hyperemesis gravidarum, which can be debilitating. If you find that you’re unable to keep food down, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for advice and potential treatment options.

When you’re on the lookout for signs of morning sickness, here are some symptoms to help you identify it:

• A nauseous feeling reminiscent of car sickness or seasickness.
• Strong aversions to certain smells, which can make even familiar scents seem overwhelming.
• A nagging feeling of hunger that often follows waves of nausea.
• Nausea that kicks in after eating, making the very idea of food unappealing.

Although it’s called “morning sickness,” the truth is that it can strike at any time of day. Many women find their symptoms are particularly bothersome in the morning before they’ve eaten. Finding the right breakfast options can make a significant difference, offering a way to ease that queasy feeling.

Does morning sickness start earlier with twins?

If you’re pregnant with twins, you may be bracing yourself for an even tougher journey, as studies suggest twin pregnancies often come with a heightened risk of morning sickness. While this doesn’t necessarily mean nausea will kick in earlier, the hormonal changes associated with carrying multiple babies can lead to stronger symptoms, making it a good indication that you’re expecting more than one little one!

When does morning sickness end?

According to the NHS, around 90% of women notice that their morning sickness begins to ease by the 20-week mark. For many, symptoms generally start to fade after entering the second trimester. If you’re still grappling with sickness beyond that time frame, it’s always a wise idea to have a chat with your midwife or GP to explore your options and ensure everything is on track.

What does early morning sickness mean?

You may find yourself grappling with morning sickness symptoms even before hitting the four-week mark—this can be perfectly normal. While it’s a bit rare at just one week pregnant, some women might start feeling nausea shortly after conception, often triggered by potent smells. If you’ve been pregnant before, you might even notice these feelings sooner than first-time moms due to a heightened sensitivity to changes in your body.

What does it mean if I don’t have morning sickness?

Interestingly, research from the University of Cambridge indicates that about 70% of women will experience some form of morning sickness. But if you’re among the 30% who don’t, there’s no need to panic. Some may feel mild nausea without vomiting, while others might not experience it at all. The key factor here is a hormone called GDF15, produced by the fetus, which can impact how sick the mother feels. The amount of exposure the mother had to this hormone before conception also plays a role. So, whether you’re feeling fine or a bit queasy, your unique experience is completely valid!

If you’re navigating the unpredictable waves of morning sickness, know that you’re not alone in this often-overwhelming experience. Morning sickness—often a cruel misnomer—can strike at any time, making mealtimes and daily activities feel daunting rather than enjoyable. But relief is possible, and sometimes it comes from the tried-and-true experiences of other moms who have been where you are.

We reached out to our wonderful #mumtribe community to gather some of their most effective remedies for managing morning sickness. Here’s what other expectant mothers found helpful, each tip rooted in real-life experiences and shared out of genuine hope to ease your journey.

Katie Gleeson swears by using seasick travel bands during her pregnancies. “They helped me get through both my pregnancies,” she shares. “I recommend them to everyone!” If you’re skeptical about alternative remedies, consider giving these bands a shot. They might just offer you the relief you’ve been seeking.

For Fiona Clewer, the road to relief wasn’t as simple. “I started feeling sick around week 9 and was still nauseous even after having my baby,” she recalls. The one thing that provided occasional comfort? Sipping on ginger beer. “Even water was often too hard to keep down,” she added, a nod to the unique challenges many face during this time.

Patrice McDonald also found solace in something simple: dry cream crackers and crystallized ginger. “Raw ginger was too intense for me,” she says. After speaking with her doctor, she secured a prescription for anti-sickness tablets, but surprisingly, she found that antacids did the trick even better!

Rachel Train offers a reminder that what works can be a bit of trial and error. “Every pregnancy is different,” she notes, adding that plain foods like Marmite sandwiches, baked potatoes, and rich tea biscuits were her saving grace. “And don’t underestimate the power of sucking on mints; it’s a game-changer for nausea!”

For Holly Ashton, the journey was a long, tiring one. “I was sick for months, and even doctor-prescribed anti-sickness tablets didn’t offer me much relief,” she explains. Her venture to combat her nausea involved frequent snacking, with biscuits and dry cornflakes serving as midnight lifesavers by her bedside.

Tanya Harrison shared a sweet and funny anecdote: “When we moved into our new house, my first parcel was a giant box of ham and mustard-flavored crisps,” she laughs. “Those crisps became my go-to cure for morning sickness!” It’s these unexpected remedies that remind us that relief can sometimes come in the most peculiar forms.

Laura Davies highlights a refreshing remedy that sounds almost too delightful to be effective. “Water from the fridge with chopped-up lemons was soothing, along with those butterscotch sugar-free sweets from Aldi—they were lifesaving!” A splash of flavor might be just what you need to distract from the discomfort.

Navigating through morning sickness can feel isolating, but the wisdom and shared experiences from others can offer a beacon of hope. Each woman’s journey is different, yet the common thread is resilience and the search for relief. Remember, if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare professionals who can provide tailored advice and support. You’re not alone in this journey, and there are myriad paths to comfort and healing.

Lastly, let’s touch on who’s sharing this wisdom with you. Rebecca Lancaster, a Digital Writer for Mother & Baby, pulls from ten years of parenting her own children. Her background in lifestyle writing equips her with insights that resonate deeply with the struggles and joys of motherhood. She believes in the power of community and shared experiences, making her a trusted guide in this wild journey of parenthood.

Doing your best to navigate morning sickness is truly a testament to your strength. No matter how rough the day may get, remember that every wave has an end—and there’s a community here cheering you on. Keep believing in the strategies that might just bring you the relief you’re searching for, and don’t hesitate to experiment with what works for you.