When should you see a doctor?

Being pregnant is not an illness – but nausea during pregnancy can be a real medical condition and have a significant impact on everyday life. Persistent nausea can make everyday life much more difficult, and simple activities such as eating, working, or socializing become a burden for many women. In addition, many already have children who require attention or want to continue working.

The important thing to remember is that no one has to simply put up with these symptoms. There are ways to alleviate or treat these pathological symptoms. Early diagnosis can help rule out other causes and find ways to make everyday life noticeably easier again.

If simple measures and home remedies do not bring noticeable relief, it is advisable to seek medical advice at an early stage. Persistent or increasing nausea should not simply be accepted. Early diagnosis helps to rule out other causes and obtain timely support – so that the symptoms do not worsen and everyday life can be better managed.

In cases of severe morning sickness, sick leave is generally possible and medically justified. Even though pregnancy itself is not an illness, nausea can be considered an illness if it significantly limits your ability to work.

If the symptoms are so severe that concentration, performance, or a normal working day are no longer possible – for example, due to persistent nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, or lack of sleep – the attending physician can issue a certificate of incapacity for work. This is especially true if home remedies do not help or if stress at work exacerbates the symptoms.

The duration of sick leave is always determined by the attending physician, depending on the severity and individual circumstances. However, the goal should always be to support and advise pregnant women so that they can cope with their everyday lives and enjoy their pregnancy.