In most cases, morning sickness is a perfectly normal part of pregnancy. Beginning about the sixth week and lasting throughout the first trimester, most pregnant women experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to particular foods and smells. Often, these are the first signs of pregnancy. Morning sickness in and of itself is not harmful to your baby, or to you. While it is unpleasant, it can be a sign that your pregnancy is progressing normally. However, there are some instances in which severe morning sickness symptoms may point to other problems which should be brought to your health care professional’s attention. Following are some signs that you should notify your physician:

• Nausea or vomiting continues well into the second trimester. IF you are still experiencing morning sickness after the thirteenth week, make sure your doctor is aware. While this is not necessarily a problem, as many women experience morning sickness throughout pregnancy, it is something she will need to be aware of as she considers other factors regarding the overall healthiness of your pregnancy.
• If you are experiencing severe nausea or vomiting to the point that you are unable to keep food down, contact your physician. Any time morning sickness prevents you from digesting more than one meal, you should make your doctor aware. Missing meals deprives you and your baby of much needed nourishment during this vital part of your pregnancy, and your doctor will want to take steps to ensure that you are not becoming malnourished.
• If you are running a fever, or experience pain during vomiting, contact your health care provider, as this could be a sign of a more serious condition.
• If you vomit blood, call your physician right away.
• If you are feeling dizzy or faint when you stand up, consult your doctor.
• If you are not urinating as much or more than you normally do, or if your urine is darker than normal, inform your health care professional. These may be signs of dehydration or infection.
• If your heart races or you find yourself having heart palpitations, consult your doctor.
• If you are having trouble keeping down liquids, call your doctor right away. Your body can quickly dehydrate if you are not taking in enough fluids, and your doctor may need to either prescribe anti-nausea medication or use an IV to ensure that you are taking in enough fluid for yourself and the baby.

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