Pregnancy brings many joys, but nausea is certainly not one of them. Affecting about 70 to 85 percent of pregnant women to some degree, it can be particularly difficult for working moms-to-be, who have to contend with ill-timed queasiness or curious colleagues.

Morning sickness—a misnomer since many women experience nausea throughout the day—usually creeps in at around seven weeks, peaks between eight and 12 weeks and tapers off by the second trimester, usually at about 18 weeks. In most cases, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are normal and actually signal a healthy pregnancy. "Some studies have suggested women who experience nausea during pregnancy may have lower rates of miscarriage," says Miriam Erick, RD, senior perinatal nutritionist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and author of Managing Morning Sickness.

Doctors don't really know why pregnancy brings on queasiness, though there is some evidence that it may be related to fast-rising levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG. That's perhaps the reason that women carrying multiples, who have particularly elevated hormone levels, may be more apt to experience severe nausea. If morning sickness is making you miserable at work or at home, try these survival strategies: Nibble throughout the day. An empty stomach produces more gastric acid, which can exacerbate nausea. So if just thinking about eating an entire meal makes you feel queasy, try noshing on little bites. Keep a supply of dried fruits, nuts, prenatal energy bars, crackers, juice boxes and other snacks handy in your purse or desk drawer.

Try protein prevention. One study found that eating protein, in particular turkey, helped alleviate nausea—good news, since pregnant women need 60 grams of protein a day. Other protein-rich foods include cheese, meat, fish and nuts.

Eat what you can. Sure, you want to keep things healthy. But if potato chips are all you can tolerate, have some to ease nausea and then try eating fruit and veggies once your stomach settles. Many women report quelling queasiness with bland food, like saltines, applesauce and toast, but it's perfectly fine to eat something spicy or salty, like chips and salsa, if that works for you. Stay hydrated. It may be hard to get any water down, but getting dehydrated will only worsen symptoms. Pregnant women should drink at least six to eight cups of water a day, so do what you can to take in liquids. You can settle your stomach first with something dry, like crackers or pretzels. If water puts you off, try ginger ale, flavored water, lemonade, ice pops or frozen slushies. Take your vitamins at night. If the taste or smell of your prenatal vitamins makes you gag, try downing them in the evening, just before you go to bed, says Tina Ziainia, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Chula Vista, CA.

Ask about antinausea meds. Your ob-gyn may suggest vitamin B6, which may reduce nausea. Many doctors suggest combining B6 with the over-the-counter sleep aid Unisom. "I tell my patients to take half a Unisom tablet at bedtime," Dr. Ziainia says. If you have severe nausea and vomiting (you can't keep food or liquids down for 24 hours, aren't urinating every four to six hours, vomit blood or feel dizzy, or your heart races), see your doctor right away.

Consider the alternatives. Some obstetricians and midwives will suggest ginger as a remedy. "I prescribe ginger capsules, 250 milligrams, four times a day," Dr. Ziainia says. Or you can munch on ginger-flavored candy or grate fresh ginger into hot water. You might also try acupressure wristbands such as Sea-Band and ReliefBand, or ask your doctor to refer you to an acupuncturist. Keep in mind that what works for one woman may not work for another. Just as with medications, consult your doctor before trying any remedy.

No matter how tough the going gets, remember that morning sickness will soon be over. And it will all be worth it when you're holding your beautiful baby in your arms.

Problem Computer screens Solution Since computer-generated light and images can make some women woozy, try enlarging the font size or changing the background color. Print out documents when you can to read offscreen.

Problem Fluorescent lighting Solution If flickering lights bother you, bring in an incandescent lamp from home.

Problem Fatigue Solution Being tired can exacerbate morning sickness, so make rest your priority. Go to bed earlier and squeeze in a nap when you can. Take breaks throughout the day, if possible. Try to find a quiet, dark room at your workplace with few stimuli so you can "rest" your senses.