Feeling Sick

You might feel sick (nausea and vomiting) while you are pregnant.

Why?

During pregnancy, changes in hormones can make you feel sick to your stomach. Certain smells and movements can make the nausea worse. Usually the nausea disappears after the 1st trimester (first 3 months), but can happen anytime during the pregnancy.

Did you know?
"Although called “morning sickness”, feelings of nausea can happen at any time of day."

How to stop feeling sick

• Try not to have an empty stomach. Eat small snacks often.
• Eat whatever food you feel like eating until you are feeling better.
• Get out of bed slowly, and eat soon after you get up.
• Drink healthy drinks between meals, not with meals.
• Choose cold foods (with less smell), or find someone else to do the cooking.
• Get plenty of fresh air.
• Stay away from smoke, alcohol and caffeine.

There are medicines that can make you feel better if you are so sick that you cannot eat or if you are throwing up a lot. Ask your nurse, midwife, or doctor for help.

Source: Health Canada.  Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2010^©