When Does Morning Sickness Start and Why Does It Happen?

That queasy, unsettled feeling in your stomach—the one that turns your favourite foods into your worst nightmare—might be your first real sign that you’re pregnant.

Morning sickness affects up to 80% of expectant mothers, but despite the name it doesn’t just strike in the morning. In fact, many women experience nausea at any time of the day or night.

If you’re wondering, when does morning sickness start? and more importantly, when does morning sickness end? you’re not alone. Understanding what’s happening in your body can help you navigate this phase with more confidence.

What Causes Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness is largely driven by hormonal changes, particularly the rapid rise of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and oestrogen in early pregnancy. These hormones are crucial for maintaining pregnancy but can also disrupt your digestive system, making you more sensitive to smells and flavours.

Another contributing factor is increased progesterone levels, which relax the muscles of the digestive tract. This can slow digestion and contribute to bloating, nausea, and acid reflux.

How Long Does Morning Sickness Last?

Morning sickness typically begins around week 5 or 6 of pregnancy, often coinciding with the first missed period.

For some, it starts subtly—just a mild aversion to certain smells. For others, nausea and vomiting hit suddenly and intensely.

The symptoms of morning sickness usually peak between weeks 9 to 10, when hormone levels are at their highest. For most women, nausea and vomiting begin to ease by week 12 to 14, as hormone levels stabilise. However, some women may continue to experience symptoms beyond the first trimester.

In rare cases, severe morning sickness—known as hyperemesis gravidarum—can persist well into the second trimester and even throughout pregnancy. If you’re struggling to keep food or fluids down, it’s important you seek medical advice.

Morning Sickness Remedies to Help You Feel Better

If you’re in the thick of it, relief might feel out of reach. However, small and strategic changes can make a big difference.

Simple At-Home Morning Sickness Remedies

1. Eat small, frequent meals – An empty stomach can make nausea worse, so try eating every 2–3 hours. Stick to protein-rich snacks, like nuts, yoghurt or cheese, to keep your blood sugar stable.

2. Stay hydrated – Dehydration can worsen nausea. Sip on electrolyte-rich fluids, such as coconut water or diluted fruit juice, to maintain hydration without overwhelming your stomach.

3. Ginger for nausea relief – Ginger has long been used as a natural morning sickness remedy, helping to soothe nausea and improve digestion. Try ginger tea, ginger chews, or ginger-infused water.

4. Vitamin B6 supplementation – Studies suggest that Vitamin B6 can help alleviate nausea in pregnancy.

5. Aromatherapy with peppermint or lemon – Some women find that inhaling the scent of peppermint or lemon essential oil can help reduce nausea.

6. Acupressure bands – Worn on the wrists, these bands apply gentle pressure to the P6 (Nei Guan) acupoint, which is believed to help relieve nausea.

7. Avoid nausea triggers – Strong smells, fatty or spicy foods, as well as warm, stuffy environments can all intensify nausea. Identify your personal triggers and make adjustments where possible.

8. Get plenty of rest – Fatigue can make morning sickness worse. Prioritising sleep and relaxation can help your body cope with hormonal fluctuations.

The Best Prenatal Vitamin for Morning Sickness Relief

Our Prenatal Trimester One with Ginger is loved by thousands of expectant mothers around the world for supporting nutrient intake while helping manage morning sickness symptoms.

This advanced 2-in-1 formula delivers a precise combination of well-researched, high-quality vitamins and minerals for early pregnancy, while also offering natural relief from morning sickness.

Unlike standard prenatal vitamins, it includes 75mg of vitamin B6 and 1300mg of ginger per daily dose—both of which have been shown in randomised controlled trials to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

NaturoBest's Prenatal Trimester One with Ginger is the only prenatal in the world to use hydroxocobalamin, the natural form of vitamin B12 found in food.

Take Control of Your First Trimester

You don’t have to suffer through morning sickness without support. By understanding when it starts, what triggers it, and how to manage it, you can take control of your first trimester and get back to enjoying your pregnancy.

If you're looking for a prenatal vitamin that also helps with nausea, explore our Prenatal Trimester One with Ginger today.

Your body is working hard to nurture new life—let’s make this stage a little easier.