What does morning sickness feel like? Signs and symptoms.

What is morning sickness?

Morning sickness is a common symptom experienced by many pregnant women, typically occurring in the first trimester. It is characterized by nausea and sometimes vomiting at any time of day, despite its name.

The severity and duration of morning sickness is different for every pregnancy, with some women experiencing only mild symptoms and others experiencing more severe and longer-lasting symptoms.

The exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

While morning sickness can be uncomfortable, it’s generally considered a normal part of pregnancy and usually does not pose a significant health risk to the mother or baby.

What does morning sickness feel like? How to spot morning sickness

Here are the most common symptoms of morning sickness.

• Nausea. This is the most common symptom of morning sickness, ranging from mild to severe. You may feel queasy, uneasy, or like you're going to vomit.
• Vomiting. Some women may experience vomiting in addition to nausea, although not all women with morning sickness vomit.
• Fatigue. Feeling tired or run down is a common symptom of morning sickness, which can be worsened by difficulty eating and keeping food down.
• Loss of appetite. Many women with morning sickness experience a decreased appetite and may struggle to eat enough to meet their nutritional needs.
• Sensitivity to smells. Pregnant women with morning sickness may be more sensitive to certain smells, which can trigger nausea.
• Headaches. Some women may experience headaches due to morning sickness caused by dehydration or hormonal changes.
• Dizziness. Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is another possible symptom of morning sickness, partly due to dehydration or low blood sugar levels.

Remember, the severity and duration of morning sickness can vary from person to person, and not all women will experience every symptom.

If you suspect you may have morning sickness, speak with your health care provider or visit your local CityMD urgent care to confirm your diagnosis and receive guidance on managing your symptoms.

When to seek urgent medical attention for morning sickness

While morning sickness is a common and usually harmless symptom of pregnancy, there are times when it may be necessary to seek immediate medical attention.

Visit an urgent care location like CityMD if you experience severe nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention, such as hyperemesis gravidarum — severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy — or a stomach virus.

Go to your local emergency room if you pass out, develop severe abdominal pain, or find blood in your vomit or stool.

At CityMD urgent care, our health care providers can help you manage your morning sickness symptoms and provide any necessary medical treatment.

Don't hesitate to visit us with concerns about your morning sickness or any other pregnancy-related symptoms in person or through virtual care. We're here to support you and your growing family.