What Is Morning Sickness and When Does It Start?

Are you in your early pregnancy phase?

Well, it's not uncommon to experience nausea and vomiting—it's morning sickness.

And it doesn't just hit in the morning.

According to a study, merely 80 percent of pregnant women experience morning sickness. It is, in fact, one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms.

However, the good thing is—it is usually temporary, and the symptoms fade with time.

Read this article to explore what morning sickness is, why it happens, and when it really starts. 

Morning sickness basically refers to the nausea and vomiting that many women experience during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. It is caused primarily due to hormonal changes, increased sensitivity to smells, and low blood sugar levels. While it is most common in the early months, some women may experience it throughout pregnancy.

The symptoms usually range from mild nausea to loss of appetite, which is normal. However, some women may also develop hyperemesis gravidarum. It is basically a severe form of morning sickness that results in dehydration, weight loss, and eventually hospitalization. However, only 1-2 percent of pregnant women are likely to develop this condition.

The signs of morning sickness can vary in severity from mild nausea to frequent vomiting. Some of the common symptoms include:

In the majority of cases, morning sickness begins between the 5th and 6th week of pregnancy, right around the time when they realize they are expecting. However, symptoms typically peak at week 9 or 10 when pregnancy hormones are at their highest.

The nausea, however, subsides by week 12 to 14, i.e., by the end of the first trimester. Some women may also experience it into the second trimester or, in extremely rare cases, throughout pregnancy.

The fact is—morning sickness isn’t entirely understood yet. But experts believe it’s due to hormonal shifts, evolutionary mechanisms, and increased sensitivity. Here are some of the potential causes behind morning sickness during early pregnancy.

According to the National Institute of Health, higher hCG levels are associated with more severe nausea. Since the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which supports pregnancy, rises rapidly in early pregnancy, it's one of the potential factors behind morning sickness.

Secondly, estrogen levels also increase during pregnancy, which might make you more sensitive to certain smells and tastes.

Some experts also believe that morning sickness exists to prevent pregnant women from eating potentially harmful foods during the critical phase of their developing baby.

Yes, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, especially after long periods without food too, can trigger nausea.

Lastly, physical and emotional stress can make morning sickness worse. This is the reason why some women experience more nausea on days when they feel tired.

Morning sickness is a normal part of early pregnancy and is perhaps a sign that your body is working to support your growing baby. While the symptoms usually fade away after the first trimester, making simple changes in diet, ensuring proper hydration, and rest can help manage it effectively.

However, if you notice nausea is severely hampering your daily life, it's time to reach out to your doctor.