Nausea in pregnancy is very common in the early months and usually improves between weeks 16 and 20 without increasing the risk to the baby [1]. It becomes concerning when vomiting is frequent and severe and you cannot keep down food or fluids, or when signs of dehydration appear, such as passing little urine and having dark-colored urine. This may be hyperemesis gravidarum, which needs medical assessment and treatment [2].
Many pregnant women hear the phrase "this is normal, it will pass," and then find themselves unable to work, eat, or even get out of bed. This article explains when the problem remains within the normal range, when it needs medical attention, what you can safely do at home, and when to call your doctor or go to the emergency department.
What is nausea in pregnancy and why does it happen?
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are known as "morning sickness," but they are not limited to the morning. They can occur at any time of the day or night, and you may feel them throughout the day [1]. You can read the definitions of nausea and vomiting to understand the difference between them.
It is estimated that about 8 in 10 pregnant women experience nausea, vomiting, or both during pregnancy [2]. Hormonal changes in the first twelve weeks are thought to be one of the causes, but the exact cause is not fully known [1].
Most importantly, what you feel is not the result of something you did or did not do [2]. There are other causes of nausea and vomiting besides pregnancy, including urinary tract infection, which can also cause nausea and vomiting [1]. That is why your doctor sometimes needs to rule these out first [2].
When is nausea in pregnancy normal?
Nausea in pregnancy is common and expected at the beginning. It is uncomfortable and may clearly affect your day, but it usually goes away between weeks 16 and 20 and does not expose the baby to additional risk [1]. In most women, it improves or stops completely around weeks 12 to 20, although it may last longer in some women [2].
If you are not sure how far along your pregnancy is, this guide on when pregnancy stages begin to be counted can help you understand how weeks are calculated.
In practical terms, the situation remains within the normal range when nausea is bothersome but you are still able to drink fluids and eat some food. When you cannot keep down food and fluids, the condition has gone beyond ordinary nausea, which we explain in the next section.
What is the difference between morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is the severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. A pregnant woman with it vomits several times a day and cannot keep food or fluids down, and she often needs treatment in the hospital [2]. It is thought to affect about 1 to 3 in every 100 pregnant women, but the exact number is unknown because some cases are not reported [2].
| Comparison | Usual morning sickness | Hyperemesis gravidarum |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence | About 8 in 10 pregnant women [2] | About 1 to 3 in 100 [2] |
| Severity | Bothersome and may affect the day [1] | Much worse, frequent and severe vomiting [2] |
| Ability to eat and drink | Usually possible with small meals | Difficulty keeping food and fluids down [2] |
| Dehydration and weight loss | Not expected usually | Present [2] |
| Duration | Usually resolves between weeks 16 and 20 [1] | May not improve between weeks 16 and 20, and may continue until delivery, with some symptoms improving around week 20 [2] |
| Treatment | Dietary and lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication | Medication, and may require intravenous fluids and hospital admission [2] |
Does hyperemesis gravidarum harm the baby?
Hyperemesis gravidarum can make you feel very ill, but it is unlikely to harm the baby if it is treated effectively. However, if it causes you to lose weight during pregnancy, the likelihood of the baby being born with a lower weight than expected increases [2]. For this reason, it is not advisable to wait and endure in silence when symptoms are severe.
Who is most at risk of severe nausea?
You may be more likely to experience nausea and vomiting in pregnancy if [1]:
- you are pregnant with twins or more (see information on multiple pregnancy);
- you had severe nausea and vomiting in a previous pregnancy;
- you suffer from motion sickness (car sickness);
- you have a history of migraine;
- someone in your family has had nausea in pregnancy;
- you experienced nausea when using estrogen-containing contraceptives;
- this is your first pregnancy;
- your body mass index was 30 or higher.
Specifically for hyperemesis gravidarum, there is evidence that it runs in families, so if your mother or sister had it, you may be more likely to have it. If you had it in a previous pregnancy, the chance of it recurring is greater than for others [2]. Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean you will develop the severe form, but it is a good reason to talk to your doctor early.
How do I know that vomiting has caused dehydration?
Dehydration is the most prominent risk when vomiting is frequent. Its signs include [2]:
- feeling thirsty and tired;
- dizziness or light-headedness;
- passing little urine;
- dark yellow urine with a strong odor.
Other sources add dry mouth, fewer urination episodes, and dark-colored urine as signs that warrant consulting a healthcare provider [3]. Also, very dark urine or not urinating for more than 8 hours is one of the reasons to contact the midwife or doctor [1].
Dehydration may, in rare cases, increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. If you are dehydrated and have reduced mobility, there is a treatment that can be given to prevent it [2]. Likewise, hyperemesis gravidarum left untreated may lead to other complications, such as depression or tears in the esophagus [2].
What can I do to relieve nausea in pregnancy at home?
No single treatment works for everyone, and every pregnancy is different, but there are dietary and daily routine changes you can try [1]:
- get enough rest, as fatigue increases nausea;
- avoid foods and smells that trigger nausea;
- eat dry toast or plain biscuits in the morning;
- eat small, frequent meals of regular starchy foods that are low in fat, such as bread, rice, and pasta;
- choose cold foods if the smell of hot food bothers you;
- drink plenty of fluids, and sip them slowly and frequently, as this may prevent vomiting;
- try ginger, as there is some evidence of its benefit, but consult a pharmacist before taking ginger supplements during pregnancy;
- try pressure on the wrist point using a special band or with your fingers, as there is some evidence that it may relieve symptoms.
Other sources recommend eating salted crackers before getting out of bed in the morning, avoiding spicy, fatty, or salty foods, avoiding strong smells, and sipping small amounts of clear fluids if it is difficult to keep down drinks [3]. For more information, read foods to avoid when experiencing nausea and vomiting, and the page on nausea symptoms to learn about general causes.
If these measures do not help or the symptoms are severe, your doctor or midwife may recommend medication [1].
Are there safe medications for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy?
Yes, there are medications that can be used in pregnancy, but choosing them and determining their dose and timing is the doctor's decision. If nausea and vomiting are severe and have not improved with lifestyle changes, the doctor may prescribe a short course of an antiemetic (anti-nausea) medication that is safe in pregnancy, usually from the antihistamine group, typically in tablet form [1].
In hyperemesis gravidarum, the doctor may suggest an injection or suppository [1]. Antiemetics, steroids, or a combination of them may be used, and it may be necessary to try more than one type to find the most suitable one, even during the first twelve weeks [2]. If symptoms cannot be controlled, hospital admission may be needed to provide intravenous fluids, and antiemetics may also be given intravenously or intramuscularly [2].
Important safety rules
- Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication, supplement, or herb on your own. The appropriate dose is the one set by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Always tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are pregnant before any medication is dispensed, even if it is available without a prescription.
- The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) regulates drug registration and public prices in Jordan, so make sure to buy from a licensed pharmacy.
When should I see a doctor, and when should I go to the emergency department?
Call your doctor or midwife, or visit the clinic, if you are vomiting and:
- your urine is very dark or you have not urinated for more than 8 hours;
- you cannot keep food or fluids down for 24 hours;
- you feel severe weakness, dizziness, or fainting when standing up;
- you have abdominal pain;
- you have a high fever;
- you have lost weight [1].
It is also advisable to contact your healthcare provider immediately if vomiting continues for more than 24 hours or signs of dehydration appear [3]. You can read more in the article Nausea and Vomiting: Causes and Warning Signs.
Go to the nearest emergency department or call 911 if:
- there is blood in your vomit; learn the meaning of hematemesis, which is a sign that requires immediate contact with a healthcare provider [1];
- you have fainted or are unable to stand due to severe dizziness and weakness;
- you have severe abdominal pain, or a severe headache with neck stiffness [3];
- you have been unable to reach your doctor and your condition is worsening rapidly.
Abdominal pain early in pregnancy, especially if accompanied by vaginal bleeding, requires urgent assessment to rule out causes including ectopic pregnancy. Diagnosis usually begins with taking a medical history and a clinical examination, and may include blood and urine tests [3].
How does severe vomiting affect your mental health?
Severe nausea drains both the body and the mind. You may feel anxious about leaving the house for fear of vomiting, isolated because the people around you do not understand what you are going through, or confused and afraid about the rest of the pregnancy [2]. These feelings are understandable and do not indicate weakness.
Do not keep them to yourself. Talk to your doctor or midwife and tell them how the illness affects your life and your feelings. You can also share this with your partner or family members. Remember that hyperemesis gravidarum is far more severe than ordinary pregnancy nausea, and that you deserve treatment and support [2].
If you had hyperemesis gravidarum in a previous pregnancy, it is likely to recur, so advance planning helps: arrange for someone to help with childcare so you can rest, repeat what helped you before, and discuss with your doctor starting drug treatment early [2].
How do I find the right doctor or clinic in Jordan?
The appropriate specialty for following up on nausea in pregnancy is obstetrics and gynecology. You can browse obstetrics and gynecology doctors in Jordan, or narrow your search by governorate:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology in Amman
- Obstetrics and Gynecology in Irbid
- Obstetrics and Gynecology in Zarqa
- Obstetrics and Gynecology in Aqaba
Health centers and maternal and child health centers affiliated with the Ministry of Health are also available in various governorates, and they can be a starting point for pregnancy follow-up.
What should you check in a doctor's profile?
- The specialty (obstetrics and gynecology), the area, and the location closest to you;
- Working days and hours, and the available method of contact or booking in the profile;
- The services listed and the doctor's experience in pregnancy follow-up.
The directory presents information to make your choice easier. It does not rank doctors by medical quality, so choose what suits your condition, location, and comfort.
Useful questions for your doctor
- Are my symptoms within normal pregnancy nausea, or do I need tests for dehydration or another cause?
- What dietary changes suit me?
- Do I need medication, and how and when should I take it?
- What signs mean I should contact you immediately or go to the emergency department?
- When is my next follow-up, and do I need my weight measured at every visit?
Practical summary
Nausea in pregnancy is familiar and usually goes away between weeks 16 and 20 [1], but being unable to keep down food and fluids, losing weight, or showing signs of dehydration are all reasons not to wait [2]. Try the simple measures at home, do not take any medication or supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist, and in emergencies call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. This article is for general education and does not replace your doctor's assessment of your condition.
Frequently asked questions
Does nausea in pregnancy mean the baby is healthy?
Nausea is very common in pregnancy and does not necessarily say anything about the baby's health. Its absence does not indicate a problem, and its presence does not guarantee safety. Ordinary nausea usually does not increase the risk to the baby. If you have concerns or other symptoms, regular follow-up with an obstetrics and gynecology doctor is the most reliable way to be reassured.
When does nausea in pregnancy start and when does it end?
Nausea usually appears early in pregnancy and is linked to hormonal changes during the first twelve weeks. In most pregnant women it improves or stops between weeks 12 and 20, although it may last longer in some women. Hyperemesis gravidarum may not go away during this time and needs medical assessment.
How can I tell the difference between normal morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum?
With ordinary nausea you can often drink fluids and eat small meals. With hyperemesis gravidarum, vomiting is severe and frequent, you cannot keep food or fluids down, and it may be accompanied by dehydration and weight loss. If you suspect this, see your doctor early to avoid dehydration, as the doctor is the one who confirms the diagnosis.
What are the signs of dehydration in a pregnant woman that warrant a visit to the doctor?
They include thirst, tiredness, dizziness, passing little urine, dark yellow urine with a strong odor, and dry mouth. If you have not urinated for more than 8 hours, cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours, or feel faint when standing up, contact your doctor or midwife immediately. If your condition worsens quickly, go to the emergency department.
Can I take medication for nausea without consulting a doctor?
This is not recommended. There are medications that are used safely in pregnancy, but the doctor or pharmacist determines the type, dose, and duration based on your condition. Always tell them that you are pregnant, and ask them before taking any supplement or herb, including ginger supplements. Do not stop or change a medication you are taking on your own.
Does hyperemesis gravidarum harm the baby?
It is unlikely to harm the baby if it is treated effectively. However, if it causes you to lose weight during pregnancy, the likelihood of the baby being born with a lower weight than expected increases, so treatment should not be delayed. Tell your doctor early about repeated vomiting so they can assess your condition and provide appropriate support.
Sources and references
- Vomiting and morning sickness — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Severe vomiting in pregnancy — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Nausea | Vomiting — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.
