Early pregnancy nausea, or morning sickness, is a common symptom that about 70 percent of pregnant people experience during their first trimester. Nausea and vomiting are early signs of pregnancy that may indicate it’s time to take a pregnancy test—if you haven’t already done so.
If you want to have an abortion and are up to 10 weeks pregnant, Hey Jane offers virtual abortion care to help you navigate the process. You can speak with one of our licensed clinicians via text or a quick phone call, have abortion pills and comfort treatments (like anti-nausea medicine) delivered within days, and complete treatment from the comfort of your home.
No matter what your next step is, you don’t have to continue suffering through morning sickness as there are a few methods you can try to feel better. Continue reading to learn how you can manage early pregnancy nausea.
What causes early pregnancy nausea?
The exact cause of early pregnancy nausea isn't known, but many providers point to changes in hormones as the most likely cause. Hormonal changes, such as the increase of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), may affect your digestive system, leading to nausea and vomiting.
Other possible causes of early pregnancy nausea include:
- Low blood sugar or blood glucose
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes in metabolism (the process that turns food into energy to fuel your body)
Your morning sickness might worsen from things like:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Being very tired
- Eating or smelling certain foods
- Motion sickness
- Heat or warm weather
Managing early pregnancy nausea symptoms
If you’re dealing with early pregnancy nausea, you likely want immediate relief from your symptoms.
Here are tips to manage, and potentially prevent, morning sickness during your pregnancy:
1. Make adjustments to your dietary habits
You may be able to reduce early pregnancy nausea symptoms by making a few changes to your diet and lifestyle habits. While these may work for many people, listen to your body to see what sounds good to you! If the thought of even bland food makes you queasy, skip it! If a food you usually enjoy sounds good to you (tacos maybe?) then it's okay to eat.
Here are some food and drink tips to reduce nausea during pregnancy:
2. Try acupressure wristbands or acupuncture
Acupressure is a type of Traditional Chinese medicine that involves applying pressure on an area of your body using fingers or a device to improve symptoms. Research suggests acupressure can treat nausea, vomiting, and other stomach problems. Acupressure wristbands, which are typically available at most grocery stores and pharmacies, have a button that presses on a specific acupressure point on the wrist to relieve nausea and vomiting. You can also order them online at retailers like Amazon.Acupuncture is another science-backed way to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy with few side effects. Your local acupuncturist may be able to provide a lot of relief.
3. Take ginger
Ginger is seen as the gold standard for relieving nausea—and it’s for a good reason. This herb contains antiemetic medicinal properties, meaning that it’s effective against nausea and vomiting. Ginger is available in candy, tea, and ginger ale, and supplements or you can consume it raw.
4. Smell rubbing alcohol
A quick trick for managing early pregnancy nausea is to smell rubbing alcohol. According to research, rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, may treat nausea within four minutes of inhaling it. You can put a drop or two of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or pad and take a few whiffs for quick relief. Since you likely already have these products at home, this method could save you a trip to the store.
5. Over-the-counter and prescription options for pregnancy nausea
If home remedies aren’t enough, there are safe supplements and medications that can help with morning sickness during pregnancy. Two of the most common options are Vitamin B6 and doxylamine, sometimes used separately or together as the prescription drug Diclegis.
Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) is often recommended first. A typical dose is 10–25 milligrams taken up to three times a day, but your healthcare provider will guide you on the safest amount. While effective, it’s important not to exceed 250 mg per day long-term, as this can cause nerve damage, dizziness, and other side effects.
Doxylamine, an over-the-counter antihistamine sold under the brand name Unisom, is another option. On its own, it may reduce nausea and also support sleep. When combined with vitamin B6, it is available by prescription as Diclegis, the only FDA-approved medication specifically for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. This combination works best when taken regularly rather than just when symptoms flare.
When does pregnancy nausea end?
Morning sickness typically gets better around the end of the first trimester, around 12 to 14 weeks into a pregnancy, but can last longer.
If you’re having an abortion, morning sickness is usually the first symptom that goes away (typically within a day or two after treatment). If using abortion pills, you may experience nausea during treatment—especially if you’ve already been feeling nauseous during the pregnancy. At Hey Jane, we include ondansetron, a prescription-strength anti-nausea medicine, in your shipment to help.
Sometimes, early pregnancy nausea may become serious—possibly leading to hyperemesis gravidarum. This severe form of morning sickness causes nausea that lasts for several hours a day and can cause vomiting more than four times a day. This condition may also cause dehydration and weight loss. If you suspect you have hyperemesis gravidarum, it’s best to seek medical attention ASAP. A health care provider can evaluate you to see if you have the condition and provide treatment if necessary.
FAQs about early pregnancy nausea
What foods should I avoid if I have morning sickness?
Greasy, spicy, and overly rich foods can make nausea worse for many pregnant people. Some also find that strong-smelling foods, like onions, garlic, or fried foods, trigger symptoms. Keeping a food journal may help identify your personal triggers.
Can dehydration make pregnancy nausea worse?
Yes. Dehydration can intensify nausea and vomiting. Sipping small amounts of water, ginger tea, or clear broths throughout the day can keep you hydrated without overwhelming your stomach.
Is morning sickness worse at night?
Despite its name, morning sickness can happen any time of day. Some people experience stronger symptoms at night, often because an empty stomach or fatigue can trigger nausea. Eating small snacks before bed may help.
Does stress affect pregnancy nausea?
Stress and anxiety can make nausea more intense. Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or gentle breathing exercises may help reduce both stress and pregnancy-related nausea.
When should I see a doctor about nausea in pregnancy?
Seek medical care if you can’t keep fluids down for 24 hours, notice blood in your vomit, lose weight, or feel lightheaded. These may be signs of hyperemesis gravidarum, a more severe form of morning sickness that requires treatment.
Are anti-nausea wristbands safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Acupressure wristbands are generally considered safe and drug-free. Many pregnant people find them helpful for easing nausea, though effectiveness varies.
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