When morning sickness doesn’t end after the first trimester

Well firstly, the name morning sickness in itself is a lie, because as most pregnant women who’ve suffered from it can attest – it doesn’t just strike in the morning.

Nope, it can hit you any time of the day or night. But whilst most mums-to-be who suffer cling on to the hope that once they reach that second trimester it will all be smooth sailing, and for many mums it is, it’s not always the case… 

What is morning sickness?

Morning sickness is nausea and/or vomiting that usually starts sometime around the 6-week mark of pregnancy and typically eases off around the 12-13 week mark as the second trimester begins. 

While morning sickness is uncomfortable and pretty darn horrible for the mum, it does not harm the baby and does not pose any direct risk to the pregnancy. However, the loss of fluid through vomiting can lead to dehydration so you must ensure you are replacing the fluids you are losing. Speak with your doctor if you are concerned or your vomiting is excessive and you cannot keep any fluids down. 

I’m in the second trimester, so why is my morning sickness still going?

While most mums find the transition into the second trimester to bring relief from morning sickness, others find they are still suffering into the 16-20 week mark – and some well beyond this, even throughout the entire pregnancy for some poor mamas. 

Speak with your doctor if you are concerned or the morning sickness is impacting your life, they may offer suggestions for managing it or in some cases prescribe medication to help keep it at bay.

If the vomiting is particularly severe it may be a case of Hyperemesis gravidarum which can require medication and even hospitalisation in some cases. 

Does it come back once it goes?

Typically morning sickness is related to early pregnancy before easing off, but some women do find it comes back late into the third trimester as the baby grows and places pressure on certain organs causing you to feel nauseous. 

What if I don’t have morning sickness, is that a bad sign?

Not at all. morning sickness is one of those things that affects some women and doesn’t affect others. Every pregnancy is different and every baby is different – which also means just because you had it with one pregnancy, doesn’t mean you’ll automatically have it with the next.

Some old wives tales will have you believe you are carrying a girl if you suffer from morning sickness, but again there is no scientific research to back this up – and plenty of boy mums who’ll argue against it!

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