Morning sickness or NVP (nausea and vomiting in pregnancy) is an unwelcome but perfectly normal part of pregnancy.
It doesn't ii any way put your baby at increased risk.
In fact the reverse is true - morning sickness signifies the hormonal changes necessary to be a mother are taking place, and a woman suffering morning sickness is less likely to miscarry.
About half of pregnant women experience both nausea and vomiting, and just under one third experience nausea without vomiting.
Morning sickness or NVP is sometimes trivialised as a minor inconvenience of pregnancy, but it can have a significant, adverse effect on day-to-day activities and quality of life.
The support of friends and family can help a person to cope.
Fortunately, for most women, the nausea ceases after the first three months of pregnancy.
For a few however, it can continue right through pregnancy.
The actual causes of nausea and vomiting are not known for sure but seem to be related to the hormonal changes.
During pregnancy, oestrogen levels rise and tend to be at their highest during the first three months when the symptoms of NVP are at their worst.
The term "morning sickness" is an old fashioned one and not entirely appropriate as it is now recognised that nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of the day, or indeed in some cases intermittently right through the day.
Morning sickness normally abates by the end of the third semester and is something that most women can and do cope with.
It is only necessary to see your doctor if it is so bad that you become dehydrated and the signs of this are extreme thirst, dizziness, not passing much urine or the urine is very dark.
In cases of severe dehydration it may ne necessary to be hospitalised so that fluid and nutrients can be replaced via a drip.
Some women find that the constant nausea and vomiting leaves them so tired and debilitated that they cannot leave the house or do anything much at all.
In these cases also, it may be necessary to seek a doctor's advice.
He may, on rare occasions prescribe an anti-emetic but drugs are generally withheld as much as possible during pregnancy to avoid any risk to the developing baby.
If you are suffering quite bad nausea and vomiting there are a number of ways to help to reduce it.
:

• Try to get plenty of rest, and don't get out of bed too quickly when you get up.
  
• Eat a little bit of something when you get up - a dry biscuit or some dry cereal can help.
  
• Eat small amounts of food regularly throughout the day, simple foods with carbohydrate but low in fat.
  
• Avoid spicy foods.
  
• Drink plenty of liquids throughout the day.
  
• Avoid caffeine.
  
• Try ginger or ginger tea.
  
• Avoid hot foods if you are particularly sensitive to smells.
  
• Get some light exercise, such as a short walk, every day.
  
• Avoid smoking as it can be bad for developing baby, and also reduces your appetite.
  

By following these general principles you should find that you can cope with the trying time of early pregnancy and morning sickness, but don't be afraid to consult your doctor or midwife if you find it really hard or are getting too dehydrated or losing weight.