It can effect the quality of life for some women, changing everything from what they can eat to sleep patterns and will have some ladies counting down the days to their due date.
So, what does morning sickness feel like?
Symptoms of morning sickness
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Vomit
- Psychological effects, such as depression and anxiety
Dr Elizabeth Farrell, Medical Director and gynaecologist at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health answers all your questions about morning sickness and how long it can last.
When does morning sickness stop and how long can it go on for?
Dr Farrell: By about 12 to 14 weeks morning sickness will settle, but about 20% of women can have it into the second trimester and some can have it throughout.
Is it ok if you are pregnant but don't get morning sickness?
Dr Farrell: Around 50-60% of women will have morning sickness and the others won’t, and that’s totally normal.
What causes it?
Dr Farrell: Morning sickness is probably due to increasing hormone levels, fluctuation in blood pressure (especially low blood pressure) and lots of changes in the body triggered by pregnancy because the body’s metabolism has to change.
When should you seek professional medical advice?
Dr Farrell: You should go see a doctor if the morning sickness is constant and not easing and there’s regular vomiting, weight loss and you’re becoming dehydrated. When it’s very severe, like Princess Kate, it’s called hyperemesis gravidarum. It may require hospitalisation because women become so dehydrated. But only around 1 in 1000 women will have hyperemesis gravidarum.
