Morning sickness usually lasts for the first three months of pregnancy.

The main reason for it is the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadatopin) that is produced. hCG irritates the vomiting and irritability centre in the brain.

It also sustains a pregnancy inside the uterus until the placenta forms at the end of 12 weeks. Ideally, this is the time your morning sickness should kiss you goodbye.

Another reason is increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Progesterone may relax the stomach and intestines leading to excess stomach acids.

During pregnancy, you also have a heightened sense of smell, which triggers nausea more easily.

Stress and fatigue could also make you queasy.

In severe cases (hyperemesis gravidarum), some women are hospitalised and put on a drip as there is a risk of dehydration.

Help is Here

Try these tips to relieving your nausea and vomiting. See what works best for you.

• Eat frequent, small meals. Instead of eating three large meals, keep eating protein rich foods every three hours or so.
• Avoid spicy and oily foods. Smelling and eating spicy foods can cause nausea.
• Take tablets to reduce vomiting. Doctors will usually prescribe Vitamin B complex tablets. Also, try taking your prenatal vitamins later on in the day. Consult your doctor first though.
• Chewing a piece of ginger will also help.
• Take naps off and on in the day. But not after as soon as you have eaten.
• Try eating plain crackers and dry cereal first thing in the morning. Wake up slowly and not with a sudden jolt from the bed in the mornings.
• Drink a lot of water. You need to stay well hydrated. But don't drink during meals. Also, avoid caffeinated drinks.
• Try not to skip meals as much as possible, especially dinner. Nausea and vomiting can increase in the mornings if you haven't had dinner the previous night.
• Suck on a lemon or anything sour whenever you feel nauseous.
• Warm places can increase nausea, so avoid them.
• If you are vomiting excessively, consult your gynaecologist immediately.