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The world erupted with elation when the announcement was made that the Duchess of Cambridge was expecting her and hubby Prince William’s third child.
And while the good news has surely caused much excitement in the royal household, Kate’s experience has been a little less delightful.
As with her previous two pregnancies – with Prince George and Princess Charlotte – the Duchess is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, an acute case of morning sickness.
Her morning sickness has been so bad she was forced to cancel an engagement, compelling the couple to announce the pregnancy.
Kate even missed little Prince George’s first day at school. The four-year-old started his first day at Thomas’ Battersea today – a private school in south London which is 20 minutes away from Kensington Palace – and was accompanied by dad William.
To understand Kate’s agony a bit better, we delve into the unrelenting pregnancy sickness that is hyperemesis gravidarum.
What it is: According to the American Pregnancy Association, hyperemesis gravidarum is characterised by, amongst other symptoms, severe nausea, vomiting and weight loss. The consistent vomiting can lead to dehydration. In some cases, symptoms get better after the 20th week of pregnancy but could also last the entire pregnancy.
Why it could happen to you: The root cause of acute morning sickness in pregnant women is still unknown, although some medics believe it could be related to an increase in particular hormones produced during pregnancy.
How to treat it: A change in diet, rest and medical treatment provided by a professional could all help in treating hyperemesis gravidarum. It’s important to consult your doctor if you have any of the symptoms.
Morning sickness versus hyperemesis gravidarum:
Morning sickness:
· Nausea and occasional vomiting
· Nausea subsides after 12 weeks
· Throwing up without severe dehydration
· Nausea and vomiting but still able to hold food down
Hyperemesis gravidarum:
· Nausea and acute vomiting
· Nausea that doesn’t subside
· Dehydration after excessive vomiting
· Inability to keep food down
*For more on Kate’s pregnancy, read this week’s YOU Magazine (14 September 2017) where we unpack everything in a four-page special.
Sources: glamourmagazine.co.uk, itv.com, americanpregnancy.org, wikipedia.org
