You are 5 weeks and 3 days

Morning sickness is one of the most common, and least welcome, symptoms of pregnancy.

242 days until your due date

Feeling sick and vomiting are common in early pregnancy. There are various theories about why; one is rising levels of hCG during the first trimester. Unfortunately, morning sickness isn't limited to mornings: it can strike at any time of day, and more than once.

Keeping your pregnancy secret from colleagues can be hard if you keep rushing to the bathroom, look unwell, or seem more tired than usual. You may want to tell one or two colleagues or your boss and ask them to keep it quiet for now. Keep face wipes, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and any snacks that ease your nausea in your desk drawer.

If you're struggling to cope with vomiting or worried you're vomiting too much, see your doctor. Rarely, sickness becomes more serious and needs medical treatment.

Explainer

Ginger by the bed

Ginger helps ease nausea. Keep a plate of ginger cookies by your bed and nibble some before you get up.

Focus on

Health: Ease the nausea

There's no guaranteed cure for morning sickness, but you could try these natural remedies:

Eat little and often. Low blood sugar can make nausea worse, so small snacks may help even if you feel sick.
Eat a plain cookie or cracker first thing in the morning before getting out of bed.
Stick to bland foods such as cereal or toast, and avoid fatty and oily foods.
Try foods and drinks containing ginger, such as gingersnaps or ginger tea.
Drink plenty if you're vomiting to avoid dehydration; keep a bottle of water in the fridge and sip it through the day. If you think you're getting dehydrated (for example, your urine is very concentrated), you may need to see a doctor.

If the nausea or vomiting is too much to bear, see your doctor, who can prescribe anti-nausea medication.

As a matter of fact

Ginger works

Studies show ginger can help with pregnancy nausea.

One study found nausea eased four days after women started having ginger daily, so don't give up if it doesn't work straight away. Try crystallized ginger chews, ginger cookies, ginger tea, or cooking with fresh ginger. Most ginger ale doesn't contain real ginger, so it's unlikely to help.

This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.