Morning sickness

Morning sickness is nausea, sometimes with vomiting, caused by hormones released by a woman's body during pregnancy. Morning sickness occurs most often during the first three months of pregnancy.

Although some women find that nausea and vomiting are worst in the morning, symptoms can occur at any time of the day or night. While the majority of women feel better at the beginning of the second trimester, some continue to feel ill throughout their pregnancies.

Home treatment to minimize morning sickness includes:

• Keeping small amounts of food in the stomach, because an empty stomach can worsen nausea.
• Eating a small snack (like crackers) before rising in the morning.
• Drinking plenty of fluids.
• Eating more protein and cutting fatty food intake.
• Avoiding smells and foods, such as milk, coffee, and citrus juice, that may cause nausea.
• Getting lots of rest.