Core answer:
Nausea during pregnancy typically starts around the 4th to 6th week, often
peaks around weeks 8–11, and usually improves by the end of the first
trimester (around week 12–14). However, timing can vary a lot between
individuals. Details
- What “starts” means: Many people notice nausea first as early as about 4–5 weeks gestation, but some may not feel it until 6–7 weeks [general medical guidance].
- Peak and duration: Nausea commonly peaks around week 9–10 and often resolves by weeks 12–14, though some experiences extend into the second trimester or longer for a minority [various medical sources].
- Variability: Some pregnancies have nausea in the second or third trimester, and a few people may not have noticeable nausea at all. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a more severe form and requires medical attention if dehydration, weight loss, or ketones are present.
What to consider or do
- If nausea is mild: small, frequent meals, dry crackers by the bedside, staying hydrated, and avoiding strong smells can help.
- If nausea is moderate to severe: consider trying vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and doxylamine under guidance, and speak with a clinician about antiemetic options and ruling out dehydration or other causes.
- When to seek care urgently: if you cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours, you have signs of dehydration, you're unable to keep any food or fluids down, you have severe vomiting, weight loss, chest pain, confusion, or jaundice.
If you’d like, I can tailor tips based on your current week of pregnancy, any other symptoms, and any medical conditions. I can also provide a simple day- by-day plan for managing nausea.
