Morning Sickness vs Hyperemesis Gravidarum: How to Tell the Difference
Feeling nauseous during early pregnancy is incredibly common but for some, that queasy feeling becomes overwhelming and constant. Understanding the difference between typical morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) can help you know when to seek extra care and support.
What Is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness affects up to 70–80% of pregnant people. Despite its name, nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of day and usually begin around week 5 or 6 of pregnancy and often easing by the end of the first trimester.
Typical symptoms include:
Nausea with or without vomiting
Food aversions or heightened smell sensitivity
Mild dehydration or tiredness
Symptoms that come and go and improve with rest, small meals, or hydration
While uncomfortable, most people with morning sickness can continue eating and drinking enough to stay nourished and hydrated.
What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting that can lead to significant dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalance. It affects about 1–3% of pregnancies and often requires medical attention.
Signs that nausea may have progressed to HG include:
Persistent vomiting (often several times a day)
Inability to keep fluids or food down
Weight loss greater than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight
Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dry mouth, fatigue)
HG isn’t just “bad morning sickness” it’s a serious condition that can impact both physical and emotional wellbeing and often requires hospital treatment for IV fluids and medications.
What Causes Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
The exact cause of nausea in pregnancy isn’t fully understood, but several factors are thought to play a role:
Hormonal Changes: Elevated levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and oestrogen are strongly linked to nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Higher hCG levels, which often occur in multiple pregnancies, molar pregnancies, or very early gestation, can make symptoms more pronounced.
Gut Sensitivity: Some people have a more sensitive digestive system, delayed gastric emptying, or heightened chemoreceptor responses, which can trigger nausea even with small amounts of food or certain smells.
Genetic Factors: Research suggests that hyperemesis gravidarum may have a hereditary component. If your mother, sister, or close female relative experienced HG, your risk of developing it is higher. Some studies point to specific genes, such as GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15), which is produced by the placenta and thought to influence appetite and vomiting. Variations in this gene can increase sensitivity to hCG and other pregnancy hormones, contributing to severe nausea.
Stress and Fatigue: Physical or emotional stress can exacerbate symptoms, as the nervous system’s response to stress may heighten nausea and vomiting.
Other Factors: Certain conditions, including thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal issues, or multiple pregnancies, can also increase the likelihood or severity of symptoms.
It’s important to note that neither morning sickness nor HG is a reflection of your health, diet, or emotional state they are physiological responses to pregnancy influenced by a combination of hormones, genetics, and body systems.
When to Seek Medical Support
You should always seek professional advice if:
You cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours or more
You experience dizziness, fainting, or dark urine
You lose significant weight
You feel constantly weak or exhausted
Your GP or obstetric team may recommend anti-nausea medication, IV fluids, or nutritional support to help stabilise your symptoms and keep you hydrated and nourished.
Tips for Managing Nausea at Home
While mild morning sickness usually improves over time, there are some strategies you can try at home to ease symptoms and support your wellbeing:
Small, Frequent Meals: Eat smaller portions more often to keep your stomach from being empty or overly full.
Stay Hydrated: Sip water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
Ginger and Lemon: Natural remedies like ginger tea, ginger biscuits, or a splash of lemon in water may help reduce nausea for some people.
Rest and Stress Reduction: Fatigue and stress can worsen nausea. Take rest breaks and try gentle relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.
Acupressure: Some find relief from wearing wrist acupressure bands or gently pressing the P6 (Neiguan) pointon the inner wrist.
Avoid Triggers: Strong smells, certain foods, and warm environments can worsen nausea. Notice your triggers and adjust your environment or meals accordingly.
Support Your Posture: Gentle upright sitting or leaning forward slightly after meals may reduce reflux and nausea.
Important: If you cannot keep fluids down, are losing weight, or feel weak and dizzy, seek medical attention promptly this could be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum
How Osteopathy Can Help
While osteopathy doesn’t directly treat morning sickness or HG, gentle osteopathic care can help support your overall wellbeing during pregnancy by:
Improving rib and diaphragm mobility, which can ease upper abdominal tension and support easier breathing
Encouraging circulation and lymphatic flow to reduce swelling and aid recovery
Supporting postural alignment as your body adapts to hormonal and physical changes
Promoting nervous system balance, which may help calm the body’s stress response and improve rest and digestion
For those recovering from HG, osteopathic treatment can also assist with musculoskeletal tension, fatigue, and postural strain caused by prolonged vomiting, bed rest, or reduced activity.
Morning sickness is a normal (if unpleasant) part of early pregnancy for many, but when nausea becomes constant or overwhelming, it may be something more. Understanding the difference between morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum helps you know when to reach out for help and reminds you that you don’t have to push through it alone.
At Tugun Osteopathy, we’re here to support you through every stage of pregnancy from managing discomfort and postural changes to helping your body recover and thrive. We also offer pregnancy specific consults, pelvic health consults and birth preparation sessions to help you throughout each stage of pregnancy, click here to find out more.
📞 Phone: 0405 640 786