About the topic
Pregnancy nausea can happen at any time of day. Mild symptoms often improve as pregnancy progresses, but severe vomiting can prevent you getting enough fluid and nutrition. You do not have to manage ongoing sickness without support from your maternity team.
Practical care & comfort
- Try small, frequent portions of plain food instead of large meals.
- Sip fluids little and often, and avoid smells that trigger nausea.
- Rest when possible; ask your clinician before taking medicines or supplements.
Symptoms & signs
- Nausea or vomiting at any time of day or night.
- Food or smell triggers and difficulty managing usual meals.
- Very dark urine, dizziness or weight loss suggest a need for assessment.
When to speak with a clinician: Contact your maternity clinician if sickness affects eating, drinking or everyday activities, or you lose weight. They can assess you and discuss treatment suitable for pregnancy.
Food & nutrition
Severe vomiting needs medical help rather than dietary restriction. Ask your maternity team about medicines, supplements and fluid needs; do not wait until dehydrated to seek advice.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- Try small, frequent portions of plain rice, bread, crackers or pasta.
- Try cool foods if cooking smells trigger nausea, and sip fluids little and often.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Avoid foods and smells that trigger your sickness.
- Avoid alcohol, raw meat or fish and unpasteurised milk products in pregnancy.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: