Feeling sick in early pregnancy is one of the most common experiences there is. Around 8 in 10 pregnant women feel sick, are sick, or both in the first few months.1,2 It can be thoroughly unpleasant — but for most women it is harmless to the baby and, as you will see below, often a reassuring sign.

Why does it happen?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is closely linked to a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG for short, which is made by the developing placenta.1 The level of this hormone rises quickly in early pregnancy, at the same time as sickness is usually at its worst.

This also helps explain why women carrying twins, or who have a molar pregnancy (an abnormal pregnancy), often feel much sicker — both produce far higher levels of hCG.

Why it can actually be a good sign

It may be hard to believe when you are feeling awful, but sickness in early pregnancy is often a positive signal. Women who feel sick in the early weeks tend to have a slightly lower risk of miscarriage. In other words, that queasiness is usually a sign that the pregnancy hormones are doing exactly what they should.

One reassurance, though: if you have little or no sickness, that is also completely normal. Many women feel fine in early pregnancy and go on to have perfectly healthy babies. Not feeling sick is not a cause for worry.

When does it start and stop?

For most women, sickness begins early — usually between the 4th and 7th week of pregnancy.1 It settles by around week 12 to 20, and for about 9 in 10 women it has gone by 20 weeks.1,2 Although it is often called "morning" sickness, it can happen at any time of day — or last all day.

It is uncommon for sickness to start for the first time after 12 weeks. If it does, it is worth seeing your doctor, just to make sure nothing else is causing it.

Looking after yourself at home

Mild sickness usually does not need any medicine. These simple steps help many women:

  • Eat small meals more often rather than large ones, and try not to let your stomach get completely empty.
  • Keep plain snacks — crackers, dry toast, biscuits — by your bed, and nibble something before you get up.
  • Try ginger, such as ginger tea or ginger biscuits, which many women find settling.
  • Avoid foods and smells that set off your sickness.
  • Sip fluids often so you stay hydrated, especially if you are being sick.
  • Rest when you can, and try to keep stress low — being tired or stressed can make sickness worse.

Don't worry too much about eating a perfect diet during these weeks. If all you can manage for a while is bread, crackers or a few simple foods, that is fine. Once the sickness passes, there is plenty of time to eat well for the rest of your pregnancy.

When you may need treatment

If sickness is affecting your daily life, safe and effective treatment is available — you do not have to simply put up with it. Speak to your doctor.

At Sugabi Clinic, if an anti-sickness medicine is needed, domperidone is usually our first choice, with ondansetron used as a second option where suitable.3 Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can also help some women and is available here, though it is not our routine first step. All of these should only be taken when prescribed by your doctor, who will choose what is right for you.

Severe sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum)

A small number of women — about 1 to 3 in every 100 — develop a severe form of pregnancy sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum.2 This can lead to dehydration and weight loss, and sometimes needs treatment in hospital.

Please seek medical advice promptly if you have any of these:

  • Dark urine, or passing very little urine
  • Being unable to keep any food or fluid down
  • Vomiting blood
  • Tummy pain or a fever
  • Repeated vomiting that won't stop
  • Feeling faint, dizzy or very weak

Caught early, this is very treatable — so please don't wait it out at home if these warning signs appear.

The takeaway

Sickness in early pregnancy is common, usually harmless, and often a reassuring sign of a healthy pregnancy. Simple self-care helps most women, safe treatment is there if you need it, and the warning signs above tell you when to seek help. If you are ever unsure, we are always happy to see you at Sugabi Clinic.

References

  1. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum) [Internet]. London: RCOG; [cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/pregnancy-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy-and-hyperemesis-gravidarum/
  2. NHS. Severe vomiting in pregnancy [Internet]. London: NHS; [cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/complications/severe-vomiting/
  3. Nelson-Piercy C, Dean C, Shehmar M, Gadsby R, O'Hara M, Hodson K, et al. The management of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum (Green-top Guideline No. 69). BJOG. 2024;131(7):e1–e30. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/the-management-of-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy-and-hyperemesis-gravidarum-green-top-guideline-no-69/