When should I see a doctor about morning sickness?

See a doctor if you cannot keep any food or fluids down, are losing weight, or feel very weak and dehydrated.

Does no morning sickness mean low hCG?

Not necessarily. The absence of morning sickness does not indicate low hCG levels or a problem with pregnancy.

Morning Sickness Hits: How to Cope Without Losing Your Cool

Did you know that morning sickness can hit you at any time during early pregnancy, not just in the morning? Nausea is one of the first symptoms you notice when your body starts adjusting to carrying a baby. You might experience sudden food aversions, unexpected fatigue, or a wave of queasiness that seems to come out of nowhere.

What is Morning Sickness in Pregnancy

Morning sickness is a common part of early pregnancy, affecting most people between the 6th and 14th weeks. Despite the name, it’s not just a “morning” thing. Nausea or vomiting can show up anytime, even in the afternoon or in the middle of the night.

You might feel queasy, want to skip your favourite foods, or find that certain smells suddenly turn your stomach. Vomiting can happen too, and for some people, it’s a daily battle.

This is usually caused by hormonal changes, like the surge in pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and oestrogen, which can mess with your system. In some cases, this severe form of nausea and vomiting is called hyperemesis gravidarum. It often requires hospital admission and a thorough medical workup. Other triggers include an empty stomach, sensitivity to odours, tiredness, stress, or even heartburn.

However, mild morning sickness is often a sign of a healthy pregnancy, but it’s still no fun. So let’s look at some simple ways to help you manage it better.

Foods That Fight Nausea During Pregnancy

Your kitchen can be your best friend when nausea hits. Certain foods are gentle on the stomach and even provide a much-needed energy boost.

These are 10 pregnancy-safe foods that can help you feel better:

Ginger: This old-school remedy truly works. It helps calm nausea and is gentle on your tummy. You can sip ginger tea made from freshly grated ginger, mix a bit into your dal or chutney, or chew a tiny piece with some salt and lemon. Just keep the portions small (a little goes a long way).
Lemon: That fresh scent of lemon can instantly lift your mood and ease queasiness. Try a glass of nimbu paani, suck on a lemon slice, or drizzle some juice over your khichdi or salad. Even keeping a lemon-scented hanky nearby to sniff can help.
Bananas: These are easy to digest, packed with potassium, and great for preventing dehydration. Eat one as a quick snack, blend it into a smoothie, or mash it with a spoon of honey for something sweet.
Curd/yoghurt: Cool, soothing, and packed with good bacteria, curd can calm acidity and settle your stomach. Have plain curd with roasted jeera, sip on buttermilk with ginger, or enjoy curd rice with a little hing and curry leaves. Just make sure it’s fresh and not too sour.
Coconut water: This natural electrolyte drink is light and refreshing. Sip a glass of fresh coconut water in the morning or throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Sabudana (tapioca pearls): Sabudana is perfect when your stomach’s sensitive. Try sabudana khichdi with minimal spices or sabudana kheer with jaggery for a sweet treat.
Dry toast or rusk: Dry foods absorb stomach acid and ease nausea. Nibble on whole wheat toast, plain rusk with chai, or a khakhra before getting out of bed.
Rice: Plain white rice is a safe choice as it's bland and low in fat. Have curd rice with jeera or simple moong dal khichdi.
Mint: Its cooling effect can settle your stomach. Add mint leaves to lemon water or sip mint tea made by boiling fresh leaves.
Apples: High in fibre and easy to digest, apples help stabilise blood sugar. Eat fresh apple slices, make apple puree, or add chopped apples to curd or porridge.

Which Foods Make Morning Sickness Worse?

When you’re already feeling queasy, the last thing you want is food that makes it worse.

This is what you might want to stay away from for now:

Oily and fried foods: Foods like pakoras, samosas, or puris can be tough on your stomach and make that uneasy feeling stronger.
Spicy curries: All those heavy masalas might taste amazing on a normal day, but right now they can trigger nausea or acidity.
Caffeine: A little is fine, but too much caffeine can leave your stomach upset and make you feel jittery.
Sugary snacks: Sweets or pastries might make you feel worse.
Carbonated drinks: Sodas and fizzy drinks can also cause bloating and discomfort, so it’s better to skip them.
Processed foods: Chips, instant noodles, or packaged snacks are hard to digest.
Pungent foods: Stay away from strong or pungent foods like garlic-loaded dishes or pickles. Sometimes just the aroma is enough to turn your stomach.

Morning sickness can really test your patience, right? But it's important to remember that nausea is completely normal and you can get through it. If you’re wondering how to stop vomiting during pregnancy, try to eat what feels right for you, even if it’s just a few bites at a time.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Morning Sickness Hits: How to Cope Without Losing Your Cool

When should I see a doctor about morning sickness?
See a doctor if you cannot keep any food or fluids down, are losing weight, or feel very weak and dehydrated.
Does no morning sickness mean low hCG?
Not necessarily. The absence of morning sickness does not indicate low hCG levels or a problem with pregnancy.