Women's Health
How long does morning sickness last?
Estimated wait
42 days – 3 months
Typically ~2 months
Based on published sources
Timeline guide
- Faster cases~56 days
- Average cases~2 months
- Slower casesUp to 3 months
This covers ordinary morning sickness, not hyperemesis gravidarum — severe, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration and needs medical care. Persisting well beyond ~20 weeks is also worth discussing with a midwife or doctor.
Morning sickness usually starts early in pregnancy, between about weeks 4 and 7, and settles by around weeks 16 to 20 according to the NHS. For many people the worst is over by the end of the first trimester (about week 12), with the 16–20 week mark as the outer typical bound.
More details
Despite the name it can happen at any time of day. It is thought to be linked to the hormonal changes of early pregnancy.
Sources
Last updated: 4 Jul 2026
Information is for general knowledge only.