What to know about morning sickness

Morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting that occurs due to pregnancy, is one of the most common symptoms that pregnant people may experience, especially in the first trimester (the first three months of pregnancy). In fact, nausea and vomiting affect nearly 3 in 4 pregnancies. (And it can happen any time of day, not just in the morning.)

Despite how common it is, the cause is still not completely understood. Hormonal changes are at least partially responsible. The hormones most likely involved are high levels of estrogen and the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), says Lisa Beard, MD, an OBGYN with the Woman’s Hospital of Texas in Houston. Research suggests that GDF15, a hormone that acts on the brainstem, can also have a significant effect on vomiting during pregnancy.

Morning sickness symptoms usually get better by the second (middle three months of pregnancy) or third trimester (last three months of pregnancy). Talk with your healthcare provider (HCP) if you experience any symptoms of morning sickness during your pregnancy. Let your HCP know, too, if symptoms worsen or interfere with daily activities or if you are losing weight or having trouble gaining weight as expected during pregnancy.

Read on to learn more about morning sickness, what it says about the health of you and your pregnancy, and how to cope.