When do I need to call my doctor?

Do not wait until vomiting becomes severe to call your doctor. Seeking care for morning sickness early in pregnancy can help prevent it from becoming more severe. Severe vomiting is not a normal aspect of pregnancy and requires medical care or even hospitalization.

Another reason to investigate severe nausea and vomiting is that it may be a symptom of other medical conditions including ulcers, reflux (heartburn), food-related illnesses, thyroid disease, gallbladder disease, or inflammation of the appendix, stomach, pancreas, or liver.

Call your doctor right away if you:

  • Have nausea that lasts all day long and keeps you from eating and drinking.
  • Vomit 3 or more times a day.
  • Have vomit that is brown in color or has blood in it.
  • Lose weight.
  • Feel extremely tired or confused.
  • Feel dizzy or have fainted.
  • Have a fast heart beat.
  • Produce little to no urine.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/29/2017.

References

  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy Accessed 6/13/2017.
  • Lee NM, Saha S. Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2011 June;40(2):309-34.
  • Herrell HE. Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. Am Fam Physician 2014 Jun 15;89(12):965-970.

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