Antenatal Care › Nausea, vomiting and hyperemesis
Nausea, vomiting and hyperemesis in pregnancy
Feeling sick in early pregnancy is common. For some women it becomes severe, and that is called hyperemesis gravidarum. Help is available, and it is worth asking for it early.
Last reviewed May 2026 by Dr Sarah Koffmann
More than morning sickness
Most women feel some nausea or vomiting in the first months of pregnancy. It is often called morning sickness, although it can happen at any time of day, and for most women it settles by around 12 to 16 weeks.
A smaller number experience a severe form called hyperemesis gravidarum. Vomiting is frequent, eating and drinking become very hard, and it affects everyday life. This is more than ordinary morning sickness, and it deserves proper treatment. It can also take a real toll on your mood and wellbeing, which is just as important to look after.
How severe is it? A quick self-check
The PUQE-24 is a simple, validated way to describe nausea and vomiting over the last 24 hours. Answer the three questions for a guide to severity. It does not replace advice from your care team.
1. In the last 24 hours, for how long have you felt nauseated or sick in the stomach?
2. In the last 24 hours, how many times have you vomited or thrown up?
3. In the last 24 hours, how many times have you had retching or dry heaves without bringing anything up?
This is a guide to help you describe your symptoms, not a diagnosis, and it covers nausea and vomiting only. Tell your care team about any other symptoms, and contact your GP, midwife or the maternity unit if you are worried at any score.
Based on the validated PUQE-24 score. The severity bands follow the SOMANZ guideline (Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand) on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum.
When to get help
Ask for help early rather than waiting it out. Contact your GP or the maternity unit if you cannot keep fluids down, are passing only small amounts of urine, are losing weight, feel faint or very unwell, or your nausea is stopping you getting through the day.
Help in the Central West
Severe nausea and vomiting can be treated. In Western NSW you can get help through your GP, the hospital emergency department, the antenatal clinic or maternity unit, the Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service, and a private obstetrician. Day visits for fluids and anti-nausea medicines are arranged through Ambulatory Care at Bathurst Base Hospital, and your GP can refer you.
Depending on your symptoms, your care team may offer safe anti-nausea medicines, intravenous fluids, advice from a dietician about eating and drinking, and support from a social worker for the emotional, practical and financial strain HG can cause.
Phone support
MotherSafe offers free advice on medicines and managing nausea in pregnancy. If HG is affecting your mood, the perinatal and mental health lines below can help too.
Managing symptoms at home
While you are getting treatment, a few things may help. Eat small amounts often, and choose cold, low-odour foods if smells are a trigger. Sip fluids in small amounts every 15 minutes or so, and try cold, fizzy or icy drinks. Rest when you can, and let others help with meals and chores. The Western NSW service below has more detailed tips, including looking after your teeth and managing constipation.
Helpful resources
Where to read more
Local support and trusted information. These open outside bubs in bathurst.
Nausea and vomiting support, Western NSW
Local information, a video featuring an Orange obstetrician, practical tips, and stories from Central West women who have lived through HG.
Visit the Western NSW serviceHyperemesis Australia
Information, peer support and resources from an Australian charity for people affected by hyperemesis gravidarum.
Visit hyperemesisaustralia.org.auNausea and vomiting in pregnancy
A MotherSafe factsheet covering diet, fluids and medicines for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, from the Royal Hospital for Women.
Open the factsheetWhere to next