When does pregnancy nausea start?  

The first questions that probably comes to your mind is When does morning sickness start? Morning sickness is an early signs of pregnancy and can start as early as when implantation happens. However, for most women, it tends to start in the 6th week of the pregnancy and becomes worse by the 9th week. Some women get relief in the second trimester but for some this can last throughout the pregnancy. If the symptoms are mild it does not harm the baby or you. However, if the nauseousness and vomiting symptoms become severe, you should reach out to your healthcare provider. When morning sickness becomes extreme the condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum and can be problematic.  

What is hyperemesis gravidarum? 

3 percent of pregnant women suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition arises when nausea and vomiting are excessive during the pregnancy. It leads to loss of water resulting in dehydration and causes loss of weight. This may start at an early stage and last throughout the pregnancy. If you do have Hyperemesis Gravidarum, you will require medical treatment to keep your baby and yourself safe.  

You could be at a higher risk for hyperemesis gravidarum if 

1. You are expecting for the first time. Your body is less prepared as it is experiencing the changing hormonal levels for the first time. The levels of anxiety are also higher as everything is unknown and could cause an upset stomach. 

1. You are expecting twins or more. In that case, you are at an increased risk of severe morning sickness as your placenta is larger and the pregnancy hormones are higher than average pregnancy level hormones.  

1. There is a family history of severe morning sickness or if you have had a severe form of nausea in your past pregnancy 

1. You are overweight, suffer from migraines or motion sickness 

1. You are suffering from trophoblastic disease which is a condition leading to abnormal cell growth in the womb 

Certain signs and symptoms indicate that you must see your doctor immediately and control hyperemesis gravidarum either through medication or Intravenous fluids. If you find yourself throwing up around 4 times daily, if you have lost a lot of weight while pregnant, if vomiting makes you dizzy or dehydrated leading to a dry mouth, no urine, and a fast heartbeat; chances are you have a severe case of morning sickness and require medical attention.  

What are the causes of morning sickness?  

There is no sure-shot reason for the occurrence of morning sickness though it is believed to be caused by increased pregnancy hormones and low blood sugar. This condition can be worsened by stress, fatigue and certain foods. A few factors that could affect pregnancy nausea are:  

• Elevated levels of hCG which is a pregnancy hormone and peaks when morning sickness is at its worst 
• Digestion becomes less effective as the increased levels of progesterone and estrogen relax the muscles of the digestive tract 
• Many women experience metallic taste while pregnant increasing pregnancy nausea  
• Pregnant women tend to have more heartburn and Gastrointestinal reflux causing vomiting and nausea  
• Other reasons for morning sickness include having an increased sense of smell due and the fact that the uterine muscles stretch rapidly. Excess saliva is also produced increasing nauseousness