So, let's dive in further to the question, when does morning sickness kick in? According to the Victorian state government health website Better Health Channel, morning sickness starts around the fourth week of pregnancy will peak before it usually disappears between week 12 to 14. However, one in five women endures morning sickness into their second trimester, and an unfortunate few experience nausea and vomiting for the entire duration of their pregnancy.
Better health Channel states that in most cases, morning sickness doesn’t harm the woman or the unborn child. However, severe morning sickness, called hyperemesis gravidarum, may result in weight loss and dehydration and may require hospitalisation.
How early can morning sickness start depends on each woman and will change how soon you're able to return to regular life. It will also effect what you eat.
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, delves deep into morning sickness from what causes it to when you should seek medical advice.
What causes morning sickness?
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.
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.
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.