Morning Sickness: Surviving Pregnancy Nausea (Especially with Toddlers in Tow)

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Morning sickness can be one of the most challenging aspects of pregnancy, and if you’re like me, it doesn’t always get easier with each child. Pregnancy is often romanticised as this beautiful, glowing time, but many of us mums know that the reality is a bit more complicated—especially when you’re struggling to keep food down while chasing after a toddler. As I move through my third pregnancy, I’ve been reflecting on how each pregnancy has been completely different, particularly when it comes to morning sickness. So let’s dive into my journey and some tips that have helped me manage.

Morning Sickness: A Different Experience with Each Pregnancy

With my first pregnancy, morning sickness hit hard around week five. I was nauseous every single day until week twelve, but oddly enough, I only threw up once. That constant queasy feeling, though—it was exhausting. Then, during my second pregnancy, I experienced no nausea at all, which gave me a false sense of hope that I’d avoided it this time. Unfortunately, that pregnancy sadly ended in a miscarriage at seven weeks.

Now, in my third pregnancy, things have been drastically different again. From week five to week fourteen, I was sick nearly every day, vomiting most of the time. It felt relentless—especially when trying to juggle the demands of pregnancy while also caring for my toddler. If you’ve ever thrown up while your little one stands next to you, either crying, trying to “help,” or just curiously watching, you know exactly how surreal that moment feels.

Add to that, I managed to burn myself during this pregnancy, and let’s just say that these past few months are ones I won’t forget anytime soon! If you want to read about the burns, head to It's Time for a Catch Up

The Impact of Fatigue on Morning Sickness

One of the biggest differences in my pregnancies has been the sheer level of tiredness this time around. With my first, I had the luxury of rest and downtime. But now, with a toddler to care for, naps and quiet moments are a rare luxury. And I can’t help but wonder if that fatigue has made my morning sickness feel more intense.

For mums pregnant with their second or third child, there’s a delicate balancing act between caring for your existing children and managing your own health. Even though the sickness has passed now that I’m in my eighteenth week, the tiredness has stuck around. I’ve also developed an unexpected aversion to coffee, which is particularly cruel when you’re already running on low energy!

If you’re feeling similarly overwhelmed, you’re not alone. It’s important to acknowledge that every pregnancy is different, and you might find that your body responds differently each time. For me, this third pregnancy has certainly brought more challenges than the first, and I’m learning to navigate them as best I can.

Why Does Morning Sickness Vary So Much?

The million-dollar question: why is morning sickness so different for each pregnancy? While there isn’t a definitive answer, many experts point to hormonal changes, particularly the rise in hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), as the main culprit behind nausea and vomiting. The good news is that by the second trimester, these hormone levels start to stabilise, which is why most mums begin to feel better after week twelve or fourteen.

However, lifestyle factors, like how much rest you’re getting (or not getting, in my case), stress levels, and even your diet, can also play a role in how severe your morning sickness feels. For those with toddlers or older children, the added demands of motherhood can certainly amplify the feelings of exhaustion and sickness.

If you're curious about the connection between self-care and how your body reacts to pregnancy, I dive into more about body positivity and wellness in my post Embrace Your Radiance: A Mum’s Guide to Body Positivity and Wellness, which highlights some habits that have helped me stay grounded.

Practical Tips for Managing Morning Sickness

While there’s no magic cure for morning sickness, I’ve found a few strategies that helped me cope, and I hope they can help you too:

1. Stay Hydrated: Small sips of water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks can help keep dehydration at bay, especially if you're vomiting frequently. You don’t have to chug large amounts—just frequent sips will do.

A great product I found was the Mini + Me Hydramama Drinks. Electrolye drinks to hydrate and provide you with what you need throughout pregnancy and beyond.

2. Eat Before Getting Out of Bed: Keeping a small snack, like crackers or dry toast, by your bedside and eating it before you even sit up can help curb morning nausea.

3. Snack Throughout the Day: Eating smaller, frequent meals helped keep my blood sugar stable and eased the queasiness. Plain foods like bananas, crackers, and toast became my go-to.

4. Avoid Strong Smells and Triggers: My love for coffee quickly turned into a no-go this time around. Pay attention to what triggers your nausea, whether it’s smells, certain foods, or even stress, and avoid them as best as you can.

5. Rest When Possible: I know it’s easier said than done, especially with a toddler, but even small moments of rest can recharge you. Taking time for yourself as a mum is essential to both your physical and mental health.

6. Try Ginger or Lemon: Ginger tea or ginger chews, as well as lemon water, have been long-standing home remedies for nausea. For me, lemon & Ginger tea helped in the afternoons or evenings.

7. Acupressure Bands: I haven’t tried these personally, but I’ve heard from other mums that wristbands designed to ease nausea, often used for seasickness, can also help with pregnancy nausea.

When to Seek Help

For most mums, morning sickness, though unpleasant, is manageable. But if you’re experiencing severe vomiting that leads to dehydration or significant weight loss, it could be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum. If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Your health and the health of your baby are the top priorities.

Finding Support

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that pregnancy—even the tough parts like morning sickness—can feel less overwhelming when we share our stories. Hearing from other mums going through the same thing has been a source of comfort for me, and I hope my story can do the same for you. If you’re currently navigating the rollercoaster of morning sickness, remember: you’re not alone, and this phase will pass.

Share with us

Have you experienced different levels of morning sickness with each pregnancy? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below!