Morning sickness

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting experienced by pregnant woman. Get medical advice from an AHPRA-registered practitioner online within minutes, available 24/7 across Australia.

When to consult a doctor for morning sickness?

If vomiting is severe or ongoing

See a doctor if you are unable to keep food or fluids down for more than 24 hours, as persistent vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration and complications.

If there are signs of dehydration or weight loss

Consult a doctor if you notice dark urine, dizziness, infrequent urination, or significant weight loss due to ongoing nausea and vomiting.

If symptoms are extreme

Seek medical attention if nausea and vomiting are severe, persistent, and interfere with daily activities, or if they lead to weakness, dehydration, or poor nutrition.

This guide does not replace professional care. Consult a doctor to manage your symptoms. In emergencies, call 000. The content is research-backed & medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

Causes

Causes of morning sickness include a combination of hormonal, physical, and lifestyle factors, such as:

Hormonal changes: Increased levels of pregnancy hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Gastric changes: Slower digestion during pregnancy and having an empty stomach can contribute to feelings of nausea.

Common triggers

Triggers of morning sickness may include:

Sensitivity to odours: Heightened sensitivity to certain smells, such as food, perfumes, or smoke, can trigger nausea.

Time of day: Symptoms are often worse in the early morning or when the stomach is empty.

Is morning sickness dangerous for the baby?

Mild to moderate morning sickness usually doesn’t harm the baby. However, severe morning sickness may lead to dehydration and weight loss, requiring medical attention.

When to seek emergency care instead of a telehealth consultation

Call 000 or attend your nearest Emergency Department or maternity service immediately if you experience:

Complete inability to keep any fluids down — particularly if this has persisted for more than 24 hours; this may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum requiring IV fluids
Signs of severe dehydration — including fainting, extreme dizziness, very dark or no urine, rapid heart rate, or feeling unable to stand
Blood in vomit — requires urgent assessment
Severe abdominal pain alongside vomiting — this may not be morning sickness and requires immediate investigation
High fever with vomiting during pregnancy — may indicate infection requiring urgent treatment
Feeling extremely unwell or concerned about your or your baby’s wellbeing

Do not book a telehealth consultation for these presentations — attend your nearest maternity hospital or Emergency Department directly.

A Hola Health telehealth consultation for morning sickness is appropriate for mild to moderate nausea and vomiting, dietary advice, medication review, and management of known morning sickness. If you are unsure whether your symptoms require emergency care, call 000 or attend your nearest maternity service — it is always safer to seek immediate help than to delay.

Symptoms

Morning sickness symptoms typically start around the 6th week of pregnancy and usually subside by the end of the first trimester. However, some women may experience symptoms throughout their pregnancy. If symptoms are severe or lead to weight loss or dehydration, you should consult a doctor. Some of the morning sickness symptoms include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Food aversions

Increased sensitivity to smells

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Home remedies

Many people find relief by trying safe and practical home remedies for morning sickness at home.

Eat smaller, frequent meals – Helps prevent an empty stomach and reduces nausea triggers.
Stay well hydrated – Sipping water or clear fluids can ease nausea and prevent dehydration.
Avoid strong smells – Limiting exposure to strong odours may reduce nausea episodes.
Try ginger – Ginger tea, biscuits, or supplements can help calm the stomach.
Consider vitamin B6 – May help reduce morning sickness when taken as advised.
Consult a doctor first – Always check with a healthcare professional before trying supplements or remedies.

Hola Health provides a convenient way to consult an AHPRA-registered doctor online, 24/7 across Australia.
Clinical note: A telehealth assessment can help evaluate morning sickness symptoms, provide dietary and lifestyle advice, and prescribe anti-nausea medication if clinically indicated. Telehealth is a complementary service — assessment of dehydration, weight loss, and fetal wellbeing during pregnancy requires in-person physical assessment. Hyperemesis gravidarum (severe pregnancy vomiting) often requires hospital management including IV fluids and may not be safely managed via telehealth alone. Your practitioner may advise in-person assessment if symptoms are severe or if weight loss is significant. After-hours bulk billing is available for eligible patients during Medicare-defined periods; otherwise, private fees apply. Consultations are secure, encrypted, and Australian-stored in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles. If you are unable to keep any fluids down, feel faint, or are concerned about your or your baby’s wellbeing, contact your midwife, obstetrician, or nearest maternity hospital immediately — or call 000 in an emergency. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular GP, midwife, or obstetrician to ensure continuity of care.