How long does morning sickness typically last during pregnancy?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Morning sickness usually begins in the first trimester of pregnancy, most often around weeks 6 to 8, and typically lasts several weeks—resolving for most women by 12 to 16 weeks. While the name suggests it strikes only in the morning, nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of day. In some cases, symptoms may persist longer or become severe, a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

Because nausea can stem from many causes—not just pregnancy—it's important to understand what your specific symptoms may mean. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes, gauge severity, and decide whether home care is enough or if you should speak with a doctor. It's a quick, private way to get clarity and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Understand if your morning sickness is normal Find likely causes of morning sickness now See if morning sickness needs medical care Discover OTC options for nausea relief Find a doctor for pregnancy nausea Learn home remedies for morning sickness Check if nausea could be something serious

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Explanation

Many women experience morning sickness, which usually starts around the sixth week of pregnancy. Typically, the symptoms—nausea and sometimes vomiting—are most noticeable during the first trimester. For most women, morning sickness gets better by the end of the first trimester, around 12 weeks. However, some women may continue to have mild symptoms until about 16 weeks. The duration can be different for everyone; while many feel better after the first few months, a few might experience nausea for a longer period. It is also normal for the symptoms to vary in intensity from day to day. If you are experiencing very severe symptoms that make it hard to keep food or water down, or if your symptoms last much longer than usual, it is a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. You can also take our free AI symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and get personalized guidance on next steps. They can help ensure you are staying healthy during pregnancy and give advice on how to manage the discomfort.

(References)

Internet]. Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994-. Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) 2024 Feb. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582541/
Festin M. Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. BMJ Clin Evid. 2014 Mar 19;2014:1405. PMID: 24646807; PMCID: PMC3959188.
Liu C, Zhao G, Qiao D, Wang L, He Y, Zhao M, Fan Y, Jiang E. Emerging Progress in Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Challenges and Opportunities. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Jan 10;8:809270. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.809270. PMID: 35083256; PMCID: PMC8785858.

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