The Myths of Pregnancy Sickness: Separating Fact from Fiction

*Pregnancy sickness can often be a difficult part of the pregnancy journey, leaving you feeling exhausted, especially if it affects your sleep [1]. What many people may not realise is that pregnancy sickness isn’t a one-size-fits-all and affects not only each person differently but each pregnancy. There are many myths about pregnancy sickness out there, and below we aim to debunk the ones you may have heard before.*

## Myth 1: Pregnancy sickness only happens in the morning

Pregnancy sickness is most likely caused by an increase in the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (Hcg) [2], which is also the hormone that pregnancy tests pick up on [3]. Pregnancy sickness can occur at any time in the day or night [4]. Most women experience the most intense nausea in the A.M., but this does not mean that sickness cannot occur during the afternoon or night [1].

## Myth 2: Pregnancy sickness only occurs in the 1st trimester

Although pregnancy sickness is most common between weeks 8-11 of the first trimester, it can actually occur throughout the pregnancy journey [5]. 1 in 5 women experience pregnancy sickness in the second trimester and an unfortunate few experience nausea and vomiting into the third trimester.

## Myth 3: Every woman experiences pregnancy sickness

Around 70% of pregnant women will experience pregnancy sickness, however, 3 out of 10 will not [2]. Therefore, not experiencing pregnancy sickness is not rare or concerning and these women can take a sigh of relief that this early symptom of pregnancy has been avoided.

## Myth 4: Pregnancy sickness is just nausea and vomiting

The most common symptoms of pregnancy sickness are the well-known nausea and vomiting, however, other symptoms include dizziness and headaches, which tend to be more intense when you are hungry or tired [6].

## Myth 5: Eating will make nausea worse

Some people may suggest that eating can worsen nausea, however, this is often bad advice. Sometimes eating can actually help, especially high carbohydrate foods such as dry crackers or plain biscuits, and avoiding the foods you feel will make you feel worse, such as fatty foods [7]. You should eat small meals regularly and drink plenty of fluids such as flat lemonade, dilated juice, or water.

Pregnancy sickness affects each woman and pregnancy differently, however, there are some universal myths about when it can strike, what symptoms it includes, and how to help ease these symptoms. Generally, pregnancy sickness is commonly felt in the morning but can occur at any time, it is most common in the first trimester, but some people will experience it throughout their pregnancy and although most women do experience pregnancy sickness, not everyone will.