Skip to main content

Morning Sickness Treatment in London

4 out of 5 pregnant women suffer from morning sickness. Our pregnancy experts can help.

Morning Sickness Explained

Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom that affects around 70-80% of expectant mothers, usually during the first trimester. It involves feelings of nausea and, in some cases, vomiting, often starting around the 6th week of pregnancy and easing by the 12th to 14th week. Despite the name, morning sickness can happen at any time of the day, although it is often worse in the morning.

The exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, but it is linked to hormonal changes, especially rising levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG and oestrogen. While most women experience mild symptoms, a small percentage may develop a more severe form called hyperemesis gravidarum, which can lead to dehydration and weight loss, requiring medical treatment. Managing morning sickness involves eating small, frequent meals and staying hydrated.

Our Experts can help with any questions arising after birth

Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms in early pregnancy

Morning Sickness Treatment in London

  • 70-80% of pregnant women experience morning sickness, typically during the first trimester.

  • Around 50% of pregnant women report both nausea and vomiting, while the other half experience only nausea.

  • 1-2% of pregnant women develop hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness requiring medical intervention.

  • Our experts can provide personalised diet advise to help with symptoms.

  • Our GPs and Obstetricians can prescribe safe medications, such as anti-nausea drugs, for women experiencing severe symptoms or hyperemesis gravidarum, to manage vomiting and prevent dehydration.

  • Open 7 days a week with convenient morning and evening appointments, as well as online consultations.

  • Expert advice from our Women’s Health GPs (included) or Obstetricians (+£300)

  • 5* rated clinic in Central London according to Trustpilot, Doctify and Google.

How can you soften the symptoms of morning sickness?

To help soften the symptoms of morning sickness, try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day, as an empty stomach can make nausea worse. Opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods such as crackers, toast, plain rice, or bananas, which are gentle on the stomach. Staying hydrated is essential, so sip water or herbal teas like ginger or peppermint throughout the day. Many women find that ginger, whether in tea, biscuits, or supplements, helps reduce nausea. It’s also a good idea to avoid strong smells or foods that trigger nausea and to get plenty of rest when feeling unwell.

If morning sickness becomes more severe, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can offer safe treatments, including vitamin B6 supplements or anti-nausea medications, which are effective in managing nausea and preventing excessive vomiting. Healthcare providers can also give advice on how to maintain proper nutrition and hydration, especially for those struggling to keep food or fluids down, ensuring both mother and baby stay healthy during pregnancy.

Comprehensive Women's Health GP services at London Pregnancy Clinic, including pelvic pain treatment, menopause management, and pregnancy care.

Morning Sickness help at London Pregnancy Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the questions our specialists can help with…

What is morning sickness?

Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom characterised by nausea, and sometimes vomiting, often occurring during the first trimester. Despite its name, morning sickness can happen at any time of the day, although it’s most commonly felt in the mornings when blood sugar levels are low. Around 70-80% of pregnant women experience some degree of morning sickness.

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it’s linked to hormonal changes, particularly the rise in hCG and oestrogen levels. For most women, symptoms ease by the end of the first trimester, but some may experience it for longer. Managing symptoms through diet and hydration can often help, but severe cases like hyperemesis gravidarum require medical attention.

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why screening is an important part of prenatal care. In some cases, women may experience symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or feeling unusually tired. However, these symptoms can be common in pregnancy even without gestational diabetes, making it harder to identify without proper testing.

Because symptoms are often mild or absent, the NHS recommends routine screening for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. A glucose tolerance test is typically used to diagnose the condition. If gestational diabetes is confirmed, appropriate management is necessary to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

What causes morning sickness?

The exact cause of morning sickness isn’t fully understood, but it’s primarily linked to the hormonal changes that occur in early pregnancy. The rapid increase in hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), along with rising oestrogen levels, can trigger nausea. Other contributing factors might include sensitivity to smells, fatigue, and stress.

Genetics may also play a role, as women whose mothers or sisters experienced morning sickness are more likely to experience it themselves. While it’s a natural part of pregnancy, severe symptoms like those seen in hyperemesis gravidarum need medical attention to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

How can I manage morning sickness?

To manage morning sickness, try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day, and avoid an empty stomach, which can worsen nausea. Bland foods like crackers, toast, or plain rice are easier to digest and may help settle your stomach. Staying hydrated is also essential, so sip water or herbal teas, especially ginger or peppermint, which can reduce nausea.

It’s also important to get plenty of rest and avoid foods or smells that trigger nausea. If your symptoms are more severe, your healthcare provider can recommend safe medications or supplements, such as vitamin B6, to help manage nausea and vomiting.

Is morning sickness harmful to my baby?

In most cases, morning sickness is not harmful to your baby. While it can be uncomfortable for the mother, mild to moderate nausea and vomiting are generally considered a normal part of early pregnancy. Your baby will still get the nutrients they need, even if you’re eating less than usual during this time.

However, if you experience severe morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which involves persistent vomiting and difficulty keeping food or fluids down, it’s important to seek medical help. In these cases, treatment is necessary to ensure that both you and your baby are healthy and getting the right nutrition.

Can morning sickness be prevented?

While morning sickness can’t always be fully prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the severity of symptoms. Eating small, frequent meals rather than large meals, avoiding fatty or spicy foods, and sticking to bland, easy-to-digest options like crackers or dry toast can help. Staying hydrated by sipping fluids throughout the day, especially herbal teas or ginger-based drinks, may also ease nausea.

Getting plenty of rest and avoiding strong smells or triggers can also reduce symptoms. Some women find that taking prenatal vitamins at night instead of the morning, or with food, can prevent them from worsening nausea. If symptoms are persistent, consult a healthcare provider for further advice.

When should I see a doctor about morning sickness?

You should see a doctor if your morning sickness becomes severe or if you are unable to keep food or fluids down for an extended period. This could be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum, a more serious condition that can lead to dehydration and weight loss. Other warning signs include dizziness, fainting, or if your urine is dark and infrequent, indicating dehydration.

Your healthcare provider can assess the severity of your symptoms and may recommend safe medications or intravenous fluids to ensure both you and your baby are healthy. If you experience any worrying symptoms, it’s always best to seek medical advice.

What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that affects around 1-2% of pregnant women. It involves extreme nausea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and an imbalance of nutrients. Unlike regular morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum can continue throughout pregnancy and requires medical intervention.

Women with hyperemesis gravidarum may need to be treated with intravenous fluids to restore hydration and nutrients. In some cases, medications to reduce nausea are prescribed. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

Are there any home remedies for morning sickness?

Yes, many women find relief from morning sickness through simple home remedies. Eating small, frequent meals that are bland, such as crackers, toast, or dry cereal, can help ease nausea. Ginger, whether in tea, biscuits, or supplements, is known for its ability to reduce nausea and is a popular natural remedy.

Sipping peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint sweets can also help calm an upset stomach. Staying hydrated by drinking water in small amounts throughout the day is essential. Rest and avoiding known triggers like strong smells can further reduce symptoms.

Does morning sickness affect all women?

Morning sickness affects around 70-80% of pregnant women, but not all women will experience it. Some may have only mild nausea, while others might experience severe vomiting, and a small percentage will not have morning sickness at all. Factors such as hormonal changes, genetics, and sensitivity to smells may influence whether a woman experiences morning sickness and how severe it is.

Women who are pregnant with twins or multiples are more likely to experience morning sickness, possibly due to the higher levels of hormones produced. However, each pregnancy is different, and while morning sickness is common, not experiencing it is also considered normal.