How Long Does Morning Sickness Last?
Quick Answer
Morning sickness usually begins around week 6 of pregnancy, peaks near weeks 9–10, and eases by weeks 12–16 for most people. A minority experience nausea into the second trimester or throughout pregnancy.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Morning sickness, the nausea and sometimes vomiting of early pregnancy, typically starts around the 6th week, peaks between weeks 9 and 10, and fades by the end of the first trimester, usually weeks 12 to 16. Despite the name, it can strike at any time of day. Most people see significant relief entering the second trimester, though some continue to feel nauseous longer.
Typical Morning Sickness Timeline
| Stage | Approximate Weeks | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Weeks 5–6 | Nausea begins, often mild at first |
| Peak | Weeks 9–10 | Symptoms most intense |
| Improvement | Weeks 12–14 | Nausea starts to subside for most |
| Resolution | Weeks 14–16 | Usually resolved for the majority |
Around 70–80% of pregnant people experience some nausea, and roughly half also have vomiting. For most, it is unpleasant but not harmful to the baby. A small number have symptoms that persist into the third trimester.
Factors That Affect How Long It Lasts
- Hormone levels: Rising hCG and estrogen are strongly linked to nausea; higher levels may mean stronger symptoms.
- Multiple pregnancy: Carrying twins or more often means more intense and longer-lasting nausea.
- Personal and family history: A prior pregnancy with severe nausea raises the odds of a repeat.
- Sensitivity to smells and motion: Heightened sensitivity can prolong the experience.
- Stress and fatigue: Both can worsen symptoms.
How to Ease Morning Sickness
- Eat small, frequent meals to avoid an empty stomach.
- Keep plain crackers by the bed and nibble before getting up.
- Try ginger tea, ginger candies, or vitamin B6 (with your provider's okay).
- Stay hydrated with small sips throughout the day.
- Avoid strong smells and greasy or spicy foods that trigger nausea.
- Get plenty of rest, since fatigue makes nausea worse.
When to See a Doctor / Warning Signs
Contact your healthcare provider if you cannot keep any food or fluids down, are losing weight, feel dizzy or faint, produce very little dark urine, or vomit blood. These can indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy nausea that may require medication or IV fluids. Also seek care if nausea and vomiting begin for the first time after week 9, or are accompanied by fever, pain, or headache, as these may point to a cause unrelated to normal pregnancy.
Pro Tips
Eat small, frequent meals and keep crackers bedside to avoid an empty stomach that worsens nausea.
— American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Ginger and vitamin B6 can ease nausea — check with your provider before starting supplements.
— Mayo Clinic
See a provider promptly if you can't keep fluids down, as it may signal hyperemesis gravidarum.
— American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Quick Facts
Around 70–80% of pregnant people experience some degree of morning sickness.
Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Symptoms typically peak near weeks 9–10 and improve by the end of the first trimester.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Despite the name, nausea can occur at any time of day.
Source: Mayo Clinic