Morning sickness is an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy that the Mayo Clinic estimates affects 50 to 90 percent of all pregnant women. While some women experience almost immediate symptoms of morning sickness, with relief appearing around 16 weeks, others may deal with it during the entire pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur anytime during the day or night, with the severity and duration of symptoms varying from woman to woman.
Nausea
Nausea is the uneasy sensation in the stomach that vomiting is likely. While not every woman with nausea vomits, the sensation of needing to may be strong. Nausea can occur at any time and may be exacerbated by certain smells or foods. Some women may feel a rumbling in the stomach, have the sensation of fullness in the throat or have a bitter taste in the mouth during bouts of nausea. The Mayo Clinic explains that nausea may be worse with an empty stomach and eating small, frequent amounts of crackers or toast throughout the day may help.
Vomiting
Vomiting during pregnancy can occur any time and may extend past early pregnancy into the second or third trimesters for some women. Vomiting may or may not accompany nausea and can be triggered by odors and tastes. Though unpleasant, vomiting may relieve the stomach pressure and discomfort caused by nausea. Drinking sips of water and eating small meals or snacks throughout the day can help curb vomiting or reduce the sensation of needing to throw up.
Dehydration and Weight Loss
In extreme cases of nausea and vomiting, called hyperemesis gravidarum, an expectant mother experiences frequent bouts of vomiting and is unable to remain hydrated or eat sufficiently. This condition may require medication to control nausea and vomiting, and in some cases, intravenous fluids for hydration maintenance. Excessive vomiting can lead to a lack of appropriate nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy if left untreated. In some cases, weight loss can occur. MedlinePlus recommends calling your physician if vomiting occurs three or more times per day, followed by the inability to keep down fluids or food.
