Morning sickness, involving nausea and vomiting, is a common experience for many pregnant individuals, primarily during the first trimester. Though often uncomfortable, it is generally considered a normal part of pregnancy.
Typical Progression of Morning Sickness
Morning sickness commonly begins around the sixth week of gestation. Symptoms often intensify, peaking between the eighth and tenth weeks of pregnancy. Despite its name, this nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of day or night.
Symptoms typically start to subside around the twelfth to fourteenth week, as individuals enter their second trimester. This timeline is largely attributed to the rapid increase in pregnancy hormones. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels rise significantly in early pregnancy, peaking when morning sickness is most severe, before gradually declining. Estrogen, another hormone that increases during pregnancy, also plays a role.
Factors Influencing Morning Sickness Intensity
The intensity of morning sickness varies among individuals, influenced by several factors. Those carrying multiple fetuses, such as twins or triplets, often experience more severe symptoms due to higher levels of pregnancy hormones like hCG. A personal history of severe morning sickness in previous pregnancies also indicates a predisposition to more intense symptoms.
Family history also plays a role; individuals whose mothers or sisters experienced severe morning sickness may have an increased likelihood of similar experiences. Heightened sensitivity to certain smells or foods is another common factor, as pregnancy hormones can amplify the sense of smell, making certain odors particularly nauseating. Stress and fatigue can exacerbate symptoms. Recent research suggests that the level of a protein called GDF15, produced by the fetus, may influence the severity of nausea and vomiting, with lower exposure before pregnancy potentially leading to more intense symptoms.
When Morning Sickness Becomes Severe
A more extreme form of morning sickness, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), can occur. HG involves persistent, debilitating nausea and vomiting. Key indicators differentiating HG from common morning sickness include substantial weight loss (typically more than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight) and signs of dehydration.
Individuals with HG may also experience electrolyte imbalances and an inability to keep down food or fluids. Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs multiple times a day, if you cannot keep any fluids down for an extended period, or if symptoms include dizziness, fainting, dark urine, or significant weakness. These signs indicate a serious condition that could lead to complications for both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus if left untreated.