Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for morning sickness. This is the nausea and vomiting (throwing up) that many people have during pregnancy. Symptoms can be mild or severe. Even though it is called "morning" sickness, symptoms can happen at any time of day.
A very small number of people get very severe nausea and vomiting and lose weight during pregnancy. This is called "hyperemesis gravidarum."
Morning sickness usually gets better after the first few months of pregnancy. The most important thing is to drink enough fluids and keep eating healthy foods. In some cases, doctors treat morning sickness with medicines.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Eat as soon as you feel hungry, or even before you feel hungry.
●Snack often, and eat small meals. The best foods to eat have lots of protein or carbohydrates, but not a lot of fat. Good choices are crackers, bread, and low-fat yogurt. Avoid spicy foods.
●Drink cold, clear beverages that are either fizzy or sour. Good choices are lemonade and ginger ale.
●Try sucking on ginger-flavored lollipops, or smelling fresh lemon, mint, or orange.
●Brush your teeth right after you eat. Do not lie down right after you eat.
●Take your vitamins at bedtime with a snack, not in the morning. If your vitamin contains iron, it might help to switch to a vitamin without iron.
●Avoid things that make you feel sick. That might include stuffy rooms, strong smells, hot places, loud noises, or not sleeping enough. Try to figure out if some foods and drinks stay down better than others.
●Try wearing "acupressure" bands on your wrists. They might reduce morning or motion sickness.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if you:
•Have signs of severe fluid loss, such as:
-Not urinating for longer than 8 hours
-Feel very lightheaded or like you are going to pass out
-Feeling weak like you are going to fall
•Are having trouble keeping down food and drink for longer than 1 day
•Have severe belly pain
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Have diarrhea
●Vomit every day, vomit many times during the day, or have blood in your vomit
●Are losing weight
●Have pain or cramps in your belly
●Develop early signs of fluid loss, such as:
•Dark urine
•Dry mouth
•Muscle cramps
•Lack of energy
•Feeling lightheaded when you get up
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Morning sickness (The Basics)
Patient education: Hyperemesis gravidarum (The Basics)
Patient education: Nausea and vomiting in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Prenatal care (The Basics)
Patient education: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (Beyond the Basics)
