What should you know about pregnancy vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting often occur because pregnancy-related hormone changes affect the stomach and the brain areas that control nausea. Symptoms may be strongest early in pregnancy and can happen at any time of day. Vomiting itself is a symptom, not a diagnosis; it does not by itself show that a particular illness is present.

Other causes can include food poisoning, gastroenteritis, migraine, gallstones or pancreatitis. Meningitis or rotavirus infection are less common possibilities when vomiting comes with other distinctive symptoms. The pattern, associated pain, fever, headache, diarrhoea and ability to drink help a clinician decide what is happening.

Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink rather than drinking a large amount at once. Try plain foods in small portions when able, and avoid smells or foods that trigger symptoms. Rest, rise slowly, and keep track of whether you are passing urine normally. Do not start anti-sickness medicine, supplements or herbal products without checking that they are suitable in pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team or clinician promptly if vomiting prevents drinking, urine becomes very dark or infrequent, you feel faint, or you are losing weight. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, blood or green material in vomit, a severe headache with a stiff neck, confusion, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. A clinician can assess hydration and prescribe pregnancy-appropriate treatment.

Ask which fluids and anti-sickness treatments are appropriate, whether your symptoms suggest severe pregnancy sickness, and how to monitor hydration. Mention any medicines, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, headache or reduced urination.