One of the first signs of pregnancy, morning sickness, is experienced by nearly half of all pregnant women. Let’s clear up some misconceptions about this condition to help you have a healthy pregnancy.

1. TRUTHS ABOUT
Morning Sickness
8

2. MORNING
SICKNESS ONLY
HAPPENS IN THE
MORNING
Myth1

3. IT CAN HAPPEN
ANYTIME.
Nausea is commonly
experienced in the morning, but
vomiting can occur day or night.
Truth

4. IT WILL END
AFTER THE FIRST
TRIMESTER
Myth2

5. Women commonly tend to see
symptoms of morning sickness,
nausea and vomiting drop off
after the first 12 weeks, but some
women experience it throughout
the entire pregnancy.
Truth

6. MORNING
SICKNESS CAN
INDICATE YOUR
BABY’S GENDER
Myth3

7. Despite Old Wives’ Tales,
morning sickness can occur in
a pregnancy with a baby girl or
boy. It all depends on how your
body handles the pregnancy.
Truth

8. MORNING
SICKNESS CAN
HURT YOUR BABY
Myth4

9. Being sick during the pregnancy,
even in the beginning, does not
harm you or your baby.
Truth

10. But if you are having extreme difficulties
keeping food down, your body isn’t getting
enough of the nutrients it needs to supply
the growing fetus or enable you to get the
calories you need for healthy pregnancy
weight gain. This is when you want to talk
to your doctor about how you can retain
fluids and vitamins.
Truth

11. IT’S OKAY TO EAT LESS
HEALTHY FOOD WHEN
YOU HAVE SERIOUS
MORNING SICKNESS
Myth5

12. This is one time it’s okay to skip the veggies
if you’re having a hard time keeping them
down. Pregnancy can create aversions to
certain foods, so eat what sounds good
until morning sickness subsides to maintain
a healthy pregnancy weight.
Truth

13. THERE’S NOTHING
YOU CAN DO ABOUT
MORNING SICKNESS
Myth6

14. There are things you can do to bring
yourself relief:
• Eat saltine crackers
• Eat smaller meals
• Drink ginger tea
• Sniff lemons
Truth

15. HEARTBURN IS A
SYMPTOM OF
MORNING SICKNESS
Myth7

16. Truth
Heartburn and morning sickness
are not the same thing. Severe
heartburn left untreated can lead
to GERD, so talk to your doctor
if over-the-counter antacids
don’t work.

17. ALMOST ANYTHING
TRIGGERS MORNING
SICKNESS
Myth8

18. Truth
Anything from brushing your
teeth to the scent of your
once-favorite perfume can
trigger morning sickness
symptoms. Your sense of smell is
heightened, which doesn’t help.