And for a few unlucky ones, it lasts through most of the pregnancy. One never really knows how horrible this misnomer of an ‘illness’ is until it hits you for the first time. Is it a tummy bug? Was that egg and mayo sandwich the day before last a bit off? A night of binge-drinking and accompanying amnesia? WHY SO NAUSEOUS (Heath Ledger in his Joker get-up comes to mind)?

Nope. No tummy bug. That sandwich was delicious. And the last night of partying happened more than five years ago, on your 25th birthday.

Dear, you’re pregnant. Once word gets around, well, mainly your mom and your best friend, and perhaps your aunt (as a lot of women choose to wait for that 12 week mark to let the world know), you will be showered. Not with presents, not yet, but with advice on beating the horrendous monster that is morning (noon and night)-sickness.

Some tips to try out:

• Nibble on something once you open your eyes in the morning. Right in bed, even before rising! Keep your emergency stash of salty crackers next to the bed, and reach for it first thing.

• Stay hydrated, drink lots of water, preferably cold, as the temperature tends to settle the feeling of queasiness. Drinking cold soda water, or sparkling water, helps tremendously. The bubbles might be key to settling your tummy!

• Sense of smell increases dramatically while pregnant, and unpleasant odours can add to the horror that is the nagging nausea. Carry something with you with a pleasant odour that you can sniff at any time – to keep those nasties at bay. Some lemon extract or eucalyptus oil in a teeny-tiny little bottle, and give it a proper whiff when on you’re on your way to work (stuck on public transport or such).

• Take your pregnancy vitamins – your body is working hard to grow that baby! Nature is amazing in that it will take what is needed for baby from you, so best to stock up. PregOmega is a wonderful supplement specially formulated for pregnancy, providing you with all the nutrients you need, for yourself as well as for your growing baby. It contains B-complex vitamins which is known to alleviate the feeling of nausea. Plus PregOmega also contains folic acid which is essential for baby’s healthy development – you can even start taking it before falling pregnant (and after the birth, while breastfeeding).

Once baby comes, the nightmare that was morning-sickness is just a haze. These tips will surely bring relief, and when gazing down on the sweetest bundle in your arms, it will all be worth it! - Jana Cloete