Why Is Morning Sickness Worse at Night?

Identification

• Morning sickness is the term for the feelings of nausea many pregnant women experience. You may feel queasy but never vomit, or you may run to the bathroom several times a day.

Time Frame

• According to the American Pregnancy Association, more than half of women experience morning sickness during pregnancy, most commonly in the first trimester. There are some women, however, who feel nauseated at times throughout their entire pregnancy. (Speak to your doctor if this is the case and your nausea is severe.)

Misconceptions

• Some women may experience morning sickness only in the morning, and even those who get it at different times throughout the day may find it is worst in the morning. Yet "morning sickness" is a misleading term.

Considerations

• Your morning sickness may seem worst at night because it is when you have the most time to focus on it. Or, your particular morning sickness may just hit you at night. Heartburn or acid reflux, which can get worse when you lie down, could be a contributing factor.

Prevention/Solution

• Many women must munch something dry, such as crackers or cereal, before even getting out of bed in the morning. Eating small meals throughout the day also helps, and foods such as ginger, watermelon or lemonade may relieve nausea, says the American Pregnancy Association.

Warning

• It is important to drink throughout the day so you don't get dehydrated. Also check with your doctor to make sure you aren't losing too much weight through vomiting. If you can't keep food down and it is left untreated, it could harm both you and your baby from "possible lack of nutrients and electrolyte imbalance," according to the American Pregnancy Association.