Quick answer. Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting in pregnancy) affects around 7 in 10 expectant mums in Singapore, usually starting around weeks 6 to 9 and easing by the second trimester. Despite the name, it can strike at any time of day. It is generally harmless and managed at home with small frequent meals, ginger, staying hydrated and rest. A more severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum, causes relentless vomiting, dehydration and weight loss and may need IV fluids, anti-sickness medicine or hospital admission, often at KKH or NUH. See a doctor if you cannot keep fluids down, are passing little or dark urine, losing weight or feel very unwell.
Feeling queasy or throwing up in early pregnancy is one of the most common experiences for expectant mothers in Singapore. Around 7 in 10 women feel some degree of nausea and vomiting, typically beginning around the 6th to 9th week and improving as the pregnancy progresses. Although it is called “morning sickness”, it can happen at any time of day or night.
For most women it is unpleasant but not dangerous, and settles with simple self-care. A smaller number develop a severe form called hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes constant vomiting, dehydration and weight loss and needs medical treatment. This guide explains what is normal, how to cope, the safe options available, and the warning signs that mean you should seek help.
At a glance
| Feature | Usual morning sickness | Hyperemesis gravidarum |
|---|---|---|
| How common | Around 7 in 10 pregnancies | Roughly 1 to 3 in 100 pregnancies |
| Vomiting | Occasional, manageable | Frequent, severe, cannot keep food or fluids down |
| Hydration | Usually able to drink | Dehydration, dark or scanty urine |
| Weight | Stable or slight loss | Significant weight loss |
| Treatment | Self-care, diet, ginger | IV fluids, anti-sickness medicine, often hospital admission |
| When it eases | Often by 12 to 16 weeks | May persist longer; needs review |
Why morning sickness happens
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are thought to be driven by the rapid rise in pregnancy hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and oestrogen, in the first trimester. A heightened sense of smell and a more sensitive stomach add to the discomfort.
It is important to know that morning sickness is not a sign that anything is wrong with your baby. In fact, some studies suggest it is associated with a lower risk of miscarriage. It is simply your body adjusting to pregnancy.
Self-care and diet tips that help
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than three large ones, so your stomach is never completely empty.
- Keep plain crackers or biscuits by the bed and nibble a little before getting up.
- Try ginger (ginger tea, ginger sweets or ginger biscuits), which many women find soothing.
- Sip fluids often in small amounts to stay hydrated; cold, clear or fizzy drinks may go down more easily.
- Avoid known triggers such as strong cooking smells, fatty or spicy foods.
- Rest when you can and get plenty of sleep, as tiredness can make nausea worse.
Safe anti-nausea options
If diet and lifestyle changes are not enough, speak to your doctor before taking anything. Several options have a good safety record in pregnancy:
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is often recommended as a first step for nausea.
- Anti-sickness medicines (antiemetics) such as those containing doxylamine, or others your obstetrician may prescribe, can be used when symptoms are more troublesome.
Do not self-medicate or buy medication online. Your obstetrician or polyclinic doctor can advise what is appropriate for you and your stage of pregnancy.
Hyperemesis gravidarum: when it is severe
Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe, persistent nausea and vomiting that prevents you from keeping food or fluids down. It can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and salt and vitamin imbalances. It affects roughly 1 to 3 in 100 pregnancies.
Treatment usually means a hospital review, where you may receive intravenous (IV) fluids to rehydrate you, anti-sickness medication, and sometimes vitamin supplements. Some women need a short admission, for example at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) or National University Hospital (NUH), until they can drink and eat again. With treatment, most women recover well.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor or go to a hospital women’s emergency or urgent O&G centre if you:
- Cannot keep any food or fluids down for more than a day
- Are passing very little urine, or it is dark and strong-smelling
- Feel dizzy, faint or have a racing heartbeat
- Are losing weight
- Vomit blood, or have severe tummy pain or a high fever
These can be signs of dehydration or another problem that needs prompt attention. It is always better to get checked than to wait it out alone.
What to expect at your antenatal visit
If nausea and vomiting are troubling you, raise it at your routine antenatal appointment with your obstetrician or polyclinic doctor rather than soldiering on. The doctor will ask how often you are vomiting, whether you can keep fluids down, how your weight is tracking and whether daily life is affected. They may check your urine, weight and hydration. Keeping a short note of how many times you vomit each day and what you can eat or drink helps them judge how severe it is and whether simple measures, vitamin B6 or a prescribed anti-sickness medicine is the right next step.
Practical tips for coping day to day
- Eat something plain before you even get out of bed, and keep snacks within easy reach at work.
- Separate solids and fluids – sip drinks between meals rather than with them.
- Cold foods often smell less and may be easier to tolerate than hot, aromatic dishes.
- Get fresh air and rest; fatigue and stuffy environments tend to worsen queasiness.
- Ask family to help with cooking so strong smells do not set you off.
Common questions
Does bad morning sickness mean something is wrong with my baby?
No. Morning sickness is a normal response to pregnancy hormones and is not a sign that anything is wrong. Some research even links it to a slightly lower risk of miscarriage.
Can I take medication for it?
Yes, but check with your doctor first. Vitamin B6 and certain anti-sickness medicines have a good safety record in pregnancy. Do not buy medication online or self-medicate.
When should I worry?
Seek help if you cannot keep any fluids down for more than a day, pass little or dark urine, are losing weight, feel faint, or vomit blood. These can signal dehydration or hyperemesis gravidarum.
Related guides
- Best Gynaecology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- gynaecology clinics directory
- Miscarriage
- Confinement & postnatal recovery
- Prenatal screening tests
Sources
- HealthXchange (SingHealth) – Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Extreme Morning Sickness
- HealthHub (HPB) – Pregnancy and Infant Health
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) – Pregnancy and Maternity
- ACOG – Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy
Related conditions & guides
Related conditions and guides you may find useful:
- Gestational Diabetes in Singapore
- Gynae & Well-Woman Health Screening in Singapore
- IVF Cost in Singapore
- Postnatal Depression in Singapore
- Prenatal (Antenatal) Care in Singapore
Part of our Women’s health & gynaecology guides · Browse all health topics