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Published on: 4/7/2025

Is There a Difference in When Morning Sickness Starts If Pregnant with a Girl?

Most research shows that morning sickness tends to start at about the same time no matter if you're carrying a girl or a boy, though some studies suggest there may be differences in how severe the nausea feels.

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Explanation

Studies have looked at whether morning sickness starts earlier or feels more intense depending on whether the baby is a girl or a boy. Some research hints that women carrying girls might experience more intense or prolonged symptoms. However, when it comes to the timing—the point at which morning sickness begins—there isn’t strong evidence showing a clear difference based on the baby's sex. Overall, morning sickness usually starts in the first trimester of pregnancy for most women. While a few studies noted differences in the severity of the symptoms, they did not find that the sickness started earlier in pregnancies with girls compared to those with boys. Remember, each pregnancy is unique, and many factors can affect when and how you experience morning sickness. If you have any concerns about your symptoms or need more guidance, it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

(References)

  • Chan RL, Olshan AF, Savitz DA, Herring AH, Daniels JL, Peterson HB, Martin SL. Maternal influences on nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Matern Child Health J. 2011 Jan;15(1):122-7. doi: 10.1007/s10995-009-0548-0. PMID: 20012346; PMCID: PMC4182010.

  • Lee NM, Saha S. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2011 Jun;40(2):309-34, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2011.03.009. PMID: 21601782; PMCID: PMC3676933.

  • Young NR, La Rosa M, Mehr SA, Krasnow MM. Does greater morning sickness predict carrying a girl? Analysis of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy from retrospective report. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2021 May;303(5):1161-1166. doi: 10.1007/s00404-020-05839-1. Epub 2020 Oct 24. PMID: 33098451.

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