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Lots of mums-to-be experience sickness in the first 12 weeks. Some women have it throughout, while others find that it returns later on. As your baby grows and your womb stretches, everything is being squashed, particularly your stomach and intestines. The pregnancy hormone, progesterone, slows down your digestive system. These two factors together cause nausea.

Sickness is also made worse when you feel tired, so take regular naps. Don't worry if you don't feel like a big meal - just eat little and often and drink plenty of fluids. Try ginger biscuits and peppermint tea, which can help with sickness, or travel bands (available in major supermarkets).

New symptoms should still be mentioned to your midwife, who can check that all your other observations such as blood pressure and urine are okay.
Anne Richley is a midwife and childcare expert.

More help and advice

- Are you pregnant? Signs that you're expecting
- The facts on morning sickness
- More facts on morning sickness

By Anne Richley

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