Morning Sickness Week by Week: Timeline, Symptoms, and Relief Tips for 2025

June 11th, 2025 | Motion Sickness, Pregnancy

Morning sickness is one of the first signs that tell you new life is growing inside you. But even though it’s often called “morning” sickness, that queasy feeling can show up morning, noon, or night. Whether you’re newly pregnant or supporting someone who is, this week-by-week guide explains what usually happens, why it’s happening, and what tips can help.

You’ll find out when symptoms tend to start, when they peak and ease up, and how each week brings new changes. Along the way, you’ll get honest advice and practical insights, helping you feel a little more prepared for whatever each day brings.

Morning Sickness: What It Is and When It Starts

Morning sickness means feeling nauseous—sometimes with vomiting—during pregnancy, most often in the first trimester. The exact cause is still being studied, but doctors know it’s linked to rapid hormonal changes. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen levels rise fast, often making your stomach flip.

Most women start feeling symptoms around weeks 5 or 6, though for some, it may show up a little earlier or later. The symptoms can be mild as a gentle wave or as strong as a churning storm.

To understand the timing and spot early clues, explore these morning sickness symptoms.

Causes and Triggers of Morning Sickness

The main reason for morning sickness comes down to hormones—the building blocks of pregnancy. Right after conception, your body boosts hCG and estrogen, which help support the baby’s growth but also mess with your sense of smell, taste, and stomach comfort.

Some people are more likely to get morning sickness than others due to genetics. If your mother or sister had it, there’s a better chance you will too. Certain triggers can make it worse:

• Skipping meals or getting too hungry
• Strong smells that never bothered you before
• Fatty, greasy, or spicy foods
• High stress or fatigue

It’s like your body becomes hyper-aware and reacts to the slightest offense.

Typical Start and End Timeline

Most notice the first signs around week 5 or 6. Symptoms often intensify as weeks go by, then fade by week 14 for most, though some continue longer. It’s helpful to know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

If you’re wondering how long you’ll need to tough it out, check out this guide to when morning sickness typically ends.

Why Symptoms Vary for Each Person

Not everyone experiences morning sickness the same way—or even at all. Some breeze through with little more than mild queasiness, while others find daily life interrupted.

Personal biology plays a big part. Hormone sensitivity, stress levels, even whether you’re carrying twins, can shape your experience. Genetics, lifestyle, and overall health all count. Even from one pregnancy to the next, your symptoms might differ.

For more on what causes the ups and downs, take a look at fluctuations in morning sickness throughout pregnancy.

Morning Sickness Week by Week: What to Expect

Every week can feel different. Some notice a slow build; others get hit all at once. Here’s a week-by-week look at the typical journey, packed with practical, real-life tips. For a full explanation on making sense of changes, check out this Morning Sickness Overview.

Weeks 4–6: The Beginning Signs

Most women don’t even realize they’re pregnant the moment symptoms start. In these first few weeks, you might wake up queasy or suddenly dislike your favorite breakfast. Early signs often include:

• Subtle nausea, worse after skipping food
• Cravings for odd foods or sudden aversions
• Tiredness heavier than usual

Some find themselves sniffing everything warily, as scents become annoyingly sharp. Small snacks and bland foods, like crackers or toast, can help take the edge off.

Weeks 7–9: Symptom Intensification

Around weeks 7 to 9, symptoms usually reach new heights. That’s because pregnancy hormones are surging. Nausea can become relentless and mornings may crash into afternoons, leaving little relief. You may start vomiting or struggle with strong smells.

Coping strategies matter now more than ever:

• Keep easy snacks by your bed to eat before standing up.
• Sip water, ginger tea, or suck on icy treats.
• Try nausea lollipops or other natural remedies if approved by your doctor.

Most find that rest and gentle self-care help more than pushing through. It’s normal for things to get harder before they get easier.

Weeks 10–12: Fluctuations and Peak Nausea

For many, weeks 10 to 12 are the toughest. Hormone levels are peaking and the body’s still adjusting. This is often when the idea of eating anything feels impossible—but also when symptoms may begin to ease for a few lucky people. Others report waves of nausea that come and go unpredictably.

Focus on manageable goals:

• Eat something small every 2–3 hours.
• Stick to cool, easy-to-digest foods.
• Rest as much as possible; fatigue makes queasiness worse.

To learn why symptoms can change dramatically from day to day, see morning sickness fluctuations.

Weeks 13 and Beyond: Relief for Most Women

After week 13, many feel a wave of relief. Appetite returns, energy picks up, and food becomes appealing again. For some, though, symptoms linger well into the second trimester. If you’re still struggling, keep reaching out for support and check in with your healthcare provider.

Keep these tips in mind for a smoother pregnancy journey:

• Stay active with gentle movement
• Eat small meals more often
• Stay hydrated (try these hydration tips for pregnancy to keep fluids up)

Even if symptoms drag on, remember you’re not alone and relief is on the way.

Conclusion

Morning sickness is almost a pregnancy rite of passage. It can be mild, overwhelming, or anything in between—changing with each week and each person. Understanding what to expect, when, and why, helps you face each stage with more confidence.

Symptoms usually begin around week 5, peak at weeks 10–12, and wind down after the first trimester for most. Each pregnancy is unique, and everyone’s experience is valid. Trust your body, lean on your support system, and hold onto the knowledge that this too shall pass.

Have you noticed patterns in your own symptoms? Share your experiences or tips below—your story might help someone else feel less alone.