When you’re feeling nauseous, it can sometimes hit you hard and fast, especially if it’s because you’re sick. However, if you’re pregnant, the nausea tends to come on more slowly and stick around longer.
Nausea can be short-lived, triggered by things like certain smells, anxiety, fear, or motion sickness. But if it lasts, it could be due to chronic illnesses, infections, pregnancy, or external factors.
If you suddenly feel nauseous, it might be from food poisoning, gallbladder or pancreas inflammation, migraines, or a medication reaction. Gradual nausea could be linked to pregnancy, metabolic imbalances, or other conditions. Constant nausea that isn’t just in the morning probably isn’t a sign of pregnancy. This type of nausea could indicate some kind of trauma, an infection, or, in rare cases, a brain injury.
If your nausea is severe and won’t go away, it’s important to see a doctor for the right treatment. Avoid self-medicating based on what others suggest, as it can be dangerous for your health, and if you’re pregnant, for your baby’s health too. Persistent nausea shouldn’t be ignored because it could lead to dehydration, especially if it causes vomiting.
If your nausea is due to pregnancy, be aware that the intensity and frequency of nausea and vomiting vary among women. Some women only feel sick in the morning, while others may experience it all day and vomit multiple times. Typically, nausea goes away after the first trimester, though some women can continue to feel sick for up to five months.
Experts aren’t entirely sure why nausea and vomiting occur during pregnancy, but it’s likely due to hormonal changes or blood sugar levels. There’s also a belief that morning sickness might be more common in women carrying twins or triplets, though this hasn’t been proven.
Most pregnant women start feeling morning sickness between the first and second months, but constant nausea can start as early as the day after conception. Some women might not feel any nausea until after the 20th week, and the luckiest might not feel it at all. If you’re unsure about the cause of your nausea and don’t recall eating anything bad, it’s best to take a pregnancy test.