In the first half of pregnancy, feeling sick or nauseated is quite common, as is vomiting. The degree of nausea and vomiting differs from woman to woman.

You may just feel a little sick in the morning and throw up once, or your may suffer from constant nausea and frequent vomiting throughout the day.

For most women, the nausea stops after the first three months of pregnancy. For a few, however, it is still a problem after four or five months.
What causes nausea during pregnancy?

The actual causes of nausea and vomiting are still not known. It is probably brought about by the hormonal changes taking place or by an imbalance in blood sugar.

Many midwives and doctors believe that morning sickness is more common in women carrying twins or triplets, but it is not clear whether this is the case.

Symptoms of dehydration

• Dizziness.

• Thirst.

• Passing a smaller amount of urine than usual or none at all.

• Passing dark urine.

• The presence of ketones in your urine. Your midwife or GP can easily test this.

Is it dangerous?

If you vomit heavily and often when pregnant, you will lose so much liquid (together with nutrition and minerals) that it causes dehydration.

If you are dehydrated and can't keep liquids down, the condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum and requires medical attention.

This usually involves hospital admission and being given fluids through a drip.

How can I avoid nausea?

In the morning

• Take your time getting out of bed.

• If you tend to feel really sick in the morning, eat a little as soon as you wake up and before getting out of bed.

• Ask your partner to bring the food to you, or prepare a snack the night before and leave it beside your bed.

Throughout the day

• Eat little and often, every two or three hours - even if you're not hungry.

• Drink a lot of liquid, preferably 10 to 12 glasses of water, fruit juice or herbal tea each day.

• Avoid food containing a lot of fat or spices.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

• Eat dry crackers, toasted bread or rusks.

• Ginger tea or ginger tablets can help reduce nausea.

• Rest several times a day. Lie down with a pillow under your head and legs.

• Move slowly and avoid sudden movements.

• After eating, sit down so that gravity helps to keep the food in your stomach.

• Avoid smells that make you feel sick or throw up.

• Don't brush your teeth immediately after eating because this can cause vomiting.

• Get some fresh air and exercise by going for a little walk every day.

• Avoid smoking. Not only is it harmful for you and your child, it also diminishes your appetite.

At night

• Before going to bed, it may help to eat a snack such as a yoghurt, bread, milk, cereal or a sandwich.

• If you wake up during the night, eating a small snack may stop you feeling sick in the morning.

• Sleep with the windows open to get some fresh air, if possible.