Quick answer
Pregnancy Sickness can feel worse in the evening, although there isn't one specific reason why this happens. Tiredness, going longer between meals, dehydration and exposure to food smells and other triggers throughout the day can all contribute to feeling more nauseous. Pregnancy Sickness isn't actually limited to the morning either - it can happen at any time of day or night, and some women feel sick throughout the entire day.
Why might Pregnancy Sickness feel worse in the evening?
Despite the name "morning sickness", Pregnancy Sickness can happen at any time of day or night.
For some women, however, the evening seems to be when everything catches up with them.
Tiredness can make nausea harder to cope with
By the end of the day, you're likely to be tired. The NHS specifically recommends getting plenty of rest because tiredness can make nausea worse.
If you've spent the whole day feeling nauseous, dealing with smells, trying to eat and drink and carrying on with normal life, it isn't surprising that your symptoms can feel particularly difficult by the evening.
You may have eaten very little
Pregnancy Sickness can make eating difficult, and going for long periods without eating may make you feel more nauseous.
Some women find that eating small amounts regularly is easier than trying to manage larger meals. The RCOG recommends small amounts of foods that are easier to tolerate for women managing Pregnancy Sickness.
You've had a whole day of triggers
By the evening, you've potentially been exposed to a lot of things that can trigger nausea - food smells, cooking, strong perfumes, travelling, brushing your teeth or even particular foods.
The RCOG recommends avoiding foods or smells that trigger symptoms where possible.
You may not have drunk enough
If you've struggled to drink throughout the day, you may also be becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can make you feel generally unwell and can be particularly concerning when you're already struggling with Pregnancy Sickness.
If you're finding fluids difficult to tolerate, don't wait until you're severely dehydrated before asking for help.
What can help in the evening?
If evenings are consistently your worst time, it may help to plan around them rather than trying to push through.
You could try:
- Eating a small snack before you become very hungry.
- Keeping easy-to-tolerate foods available for the evening.
- Taking small, regular sips of fluid rather than trying to drink a large glass at once.
- Avoiding cooking smells or other known triggers.
- Asking someone else to prepare dinner if cooking makes you feel sick.
- Resting before your symptoms become overwhelming.
- Keeping something you know you can tolerate beside your bed in case you feel sick during the night.
There isn't one solution that works for everyone. What matters is finding what you can tolerate and getting support if your symptoms are affecting your ability to eat, drink or function normally.
When should I seek medical advice?
You don't have to wait until your Pregnancy Sickness becomes severe before speaking to your GP or midwife.
The NHS advises seeking medical advice if you're vomiting and have very dark urine or haven't passed urine for more than 8 hours, cannot keep food or fluids down for 24 hours, feel very weak, dizzy or faint when standing, have abdominal pain, a high temperature, vomit blood or have lost weight.
If your symptoms are stopping you from carrying out normal daily activities or making it difficult to eat and drink normally, speak to your healthcare team. There are anti-sickness medicines that can be used during Pregnancy, and you don't simply have to suffer through it.
From someone who's been there
"I remember the evenings feeling particularly difficult because by that point I had already spent the whole day feeling sick. I was exhausted, I hadn't managed to eat properly and the thought of making or eating dinner felt completely overwhelming. It was frustrating because people talk about 'morning sickness', so you almost expect to feel better as the day goes on. When that didn't happen, it made me realise just how much Pregnancy Sickness was affecting my entire day."
Laura, Founder of Replenish
How Replenish may help
Replenish comes as a small 28ml liquid sachet containing electrolytes, glucose, vitamin C and B vitamins, including bioavailable folic acid (5-MTHF).
It has been designed specifically for women experiencing Pregnancy Sickness who are struggling with their normal diet, large drinks and tablets.
Replenish is a food supplement. It is not a medicine and is not intended to treat, prevent or cure Pregnancy Sickness.
Key takeaways
- Pregnancy Sickness can happen at any time of day or night, not just in the morning.
- Tiredness may make nausea feel harder to cope with by the evening.
- Going for long periods without eating or drinking may also contribute.
- Food smells and other triggers can make evening symptoms worse.
- Small, regular meals and sips of fluid may be easier to manage.
- If Pregnancy Sickness is affecting your ability to eat, drink or function normally, speak to your healthcare team.
References
- NHS - Vomiting and morning sickness
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum)
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - The Management of Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum
