WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Nausea in the First Trimester

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Nausea in the First Trimester
Nausea during the first trimester, often referred to as "morning sickness," is a common symptom experienced by many pregnant women.
It involves a feeling of queasiness or vomiting and can occur at any time of the day, despite its misleading name.
This condition is typically attributed to the hormonal changes occurring in the body during pregnancy, especially the increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen.
Is It Normal?
Experiencing nausea in the first trimester is considered a normal part of pregnancy.
It's often one of the early signs of pregnancy and is usually not a cause for concern.
However, the intensity and impact can vary significantly from one woman to another.
Percentage of Women Affected
The prevalence of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy changes according to the month of pregnancy. Studies indicate that:
  • First Month: About 50-80% of women report nausea, with or without vomiting.
  • Second Month: The prevalence peaks, with up to 85% of pregnant women experiencing symptoms.
  • Third Month: Symptoms start to decline, with about 60% reporting nausea.
Tips to Prevent and Care for Nausea
  1. Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Avoid having an empty stomach. Eating light and frequent meals can help stabilize your stomach.
  2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids. Ginger tea or lemon-infused water can be particularly soothing.
  3. Avoid Triggers: Identify and steer clear of smells or foods that exacerbate your nausea.
  4. Rest Well: Fatigue can worsen nausea, so ensure you get adequate rest.
"As a midwife, I frequently reassure my patients that while morning sickness can be unpleasant, it's usually not dangerous. It's quite normal to feel nauseated during the first trimester, and this should not be a cause for alarm. The key is to manage the symptoms effectively – small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding triggers can make a big difference. However, it's important to listen to your body. If the nausea feels excessive or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and what's normal for one woman may not be for another.”
When Should I Consult?
It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider if:
  • Nausea and vomiting are severe and persistent.
  • You're unable to keep any food or fluids down.
  • You're losing weight or show signs of dehydration.
  • You experience abdominal pain or fever.
Top Asked Questions
  1. Can morning sickness harm my baby? Generally, mild to moderate nausea has no adverse effects on the baby.
  2. Are there any medications to treat nausea in pregnancy? Yes, certain medications can be prescribed, but always consult your healthcare provider first.
  3. Does morning sickness only occur in the morning? Despite its name, it can occur at any time of the day.
  4. Is nausea in pregnancy a sign of a healthy pregnancy? Nausea is often associated with a lower risk of miscarriage, but its absence doesn't necessarily indicate a problem.
Sources
  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
  • The National Health Service (NHS, UK)
  • Clinical research studies published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Interviews and insights from certified midwives and obstetricians
More info
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N
Netta
13 Aug 2023

I’m sick of this first trimester nausea!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I’m tired of spitting & I’m tired of my mouth tasting weird!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
11 comments
E
Erkevia
It will get better babe. Try eating peppermints
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kelsie
Me too girl! NOTHING helps and the dry heaving is a killer 😭
27 Mar 2024

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E
Erica
13 Jul 2023

Did anyone have nausea with their first trimester? The reason why I'm asking this because they said your first trimester is more likely if you're having nausea you're having a girl but I'm not having it at all?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
26 comments
A
Addison
I haven’t had much nausea at all (I’m not sure what I’m having yet) but I have a coworker that didn’t have any nausea or vomiting her first trimester and had a girl
27 Mar 2024

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E
Erica
oh wow really you given me hope 😂 now
27 Mar 2024

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B
Bryana
24 May 2023

Wow nausea is back again 😰 I have not felt like this since I was in my first trimester 😭

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
K
King’s👑Mommy
Girl I Just Said I’m In My 3rd Trimester I Hope I Don’t Get Sick Like I Did In The First 🤞🏽🤞🏽 But Yea I Hope You Get Some Relief 🙏🏽
27 Mar 2024

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B
Bryana
Thank you girl! Is it ginger ale and crackers that work for nausea?😭
27 Mar 2024

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G
Geena
8 Apr 2023

Anyone have nausea return after 17 weeks? I had nausea in the first trimester, but never threw up. After 13 weeks I felt normal again. Now at 18 weeks, I feel nausea again.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
𝓣
𝓣𝓲𝓯𝓯𝓪𝓷𝓨 💞
I never had it until later in my second trimester. It's starting to get better though. I don't get nauseated as much now in my third trimester!
27 Mar 2024

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F
Fabi
1 Dec 2022

So I’m in my first trimester and currently 9 weeks. I’ve been struggling so bad to keep anything down and have terrible nausea all day long. Any suggestions besides the nausea gummies? They don’t work for me 🙁

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
A
Amber
Have you talked to your ob about any medication? I had Hyperemesis Gravidarum in my first trimester they had to give me medication for it and it helped
27 Mar 2024

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M
Megan
15 Nov 2022

Nauseous. 🤢 I haven’t had nausea since my first trimester. I feel horrible tonight.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
6 comments
L
Licia
First trimester is the worst ugh 😣
27 Mar 2024

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M
Miah
I’ve been like that every once in a while now too. I’m like nooooo 🥴
27 Mar 2024

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k
kara 💕aubries mommy🎀
21 Jul 2022

Is nausea a good thing in pregnancy(first trimester 9 weeks & 2 days along) IF it is, why is it good?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
7 comments
h
helen
It’s not good or bad it’s just your pregnancy hormones
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lilly 💕😻
It’s not a good or bad thing, just happens lol I always thought of it as well at least I know I’m still pregnant lol
27 Mar 2024

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t
tchouminyi
29 Jun 2022

Has anyone been having nausea in first trimester and during second trimester it goes away and come back during third trimester?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
13 comments
I
Infinity
Yupp this is me too a T I'm almost 33 weeks and still have it sometimes
27 Mar 2024

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t
tchouminyi
did you have it in second trimester?
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amanda
21 May 2022

Any of you guys work at a steakhouse while in your first trimester and experience a lot of nausea and meat aversions? I’m terrified to work tonight. Just the thought of meat makes me queasy. 🤢 #firsttrimester #meataversions #nausea

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
M
Madi
I work at a daycare where i have to serve food and deal with smells everyday. Sucking on a preggie pop drops has been helping, helps me to focus on the taste instead of smells.
27 Mar 2024

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n
nyci
People ask am I a vegetarian lol. No I’m not I just don’t like a lot of meat right now. I’m having spaghetti with mushrooms tonight
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tanya
21 Nov 2021

Someone please tell me this nausea goes away after the first trimester! I’m miserable 😩

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
12 comments
J
Jenna
My nausea went away after the first trimester. What helped me was the ginger candy.
27 Mar 2024

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