In plain words
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is queasiness and vomiting that often starts in the early weeks. It is common, and many people feel better by the second trimester. Some people feel sick most of the day, and a few have it for longer. Iron-containing prenatal vitamins can make nausea worse early on, and your provider can talk through options. Severe vomiting, such as not keeping fluids down, weight loss, or dizziness, is a reason to call your provider the same day. is the severe form, and it needs medical care.
The deeper version
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy affects a large share of pregnancies. It typically begins around gestational week 5 or 6 and resolves by about 14 to 20 weeks in most people. Mechanisms proposed include , , and estrogen signaling, though causation is not settled. ACOG Practice Bulletin 189 (2018) describes first-line management with dietary and behavioral measures and with , with or without doxylamine, and escalation for persistent symptoms. ACOG's guidance notes that iron-containing prenatal vitamins can worsen first-trimester nausea and describes folic-acid-only alternatives in that window. Hyperemesis gravidarum is the severe end of the spectrum, defined by weight loss, dehydration, or electrolyte disturbance. The controversy concerns the relative role of hormonal and genetic mechanisms.
Where it comes up
- Nausea and vomiting in pregnancyPregnancy: Your Body
- Hyperemesis gravidarum: when sickness is severePregnancy: Your Body
- Eating when nothing sounds goodPregnancy: Eating
- Prenatal vitamins: when to start and what's in themBefore Pregnancy
What mothers here say about nausea and vomiting of pregnancy
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Practice Bulletin 189: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (2018)