Morning sickness typically starts early in pregnancy, usually between the 4th and 7th week, with some sources noting it can begin as early as 4 weeks and up to 9 weeks into pregnancy
. It often peaks around 8 to 10 weeks or near week 9 and usually settles by 16 to 20 weeks, which corresponds to the end of the first trimester or early second trimester
. However, the timing and severity vary among individuals, and for some, symptoms may last longer or even throughout the entire pregnancy
. Morning sickness can include nausea and vomiting and may occur at any time of day, despite the name suggesting it happens only in the morning
. The cause is thought to be related to hormonal changes in early pregnancy, particularly in the first 12 weeks
. In summary:
- Starts: Usually between 4 to 7 weeks of pregnancy
- Peaks: Around 8 to 10 weeks
- Ends: Typically by 16 to 20 weeks, but can last longer for some
This timing reflects the common experience but can differ from person to person