Reasons for vomiting during pregnancy

Pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting may be worse in the morning, with an empty stomach, or after particular smells. The intensity can vary from day to day. Gastroenteritis or food poisoning may be more likely when vomiting starts suddenly with diarrhoea, cramps, or fever. Migraine can bring nausea with headache or sensitivity to light.

Gallstones or pancreatitis can cause upper abdominal pain with vomiting. A severe headache with fever, neck stiffness, confusion, or a rash needs urgent assessment because meningitis can present this way. The pattern, associated symptoms, and stage of pregnancy guide the next step.

Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink and try small portions of plain food when tolerated. Rest, avoid smells that trigger symptoms, and keep a record of what you can eat and drink. Speak with your maternity or primary-care team before taking an anti-sickness medicine; they can choose an option suitable for pregnancy and check for dehydration.

Seek urgent care if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, feel faint or confused, vomit blood or green fluid, have severe abdominal pain, or develop a high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, or a rash. Contact your pregnancy team promptly if vomiting is frequent, worsening, or interfering with food, fluids, medicines, or daily activities.

Ask how to prevent dehydration, whether you need urine or blood tests, which anti-sickness treatments are suitable, and what symptoms should prompt same-day review.