Learn more about Kate Middleton’s pregnancy problems

Just a few days after Kate Middleton was forced to cancel her weekend trip to Malta, her handsome husband happily stood in during the two-day event.

“I’m sorry you’ve got me instead of Catherine,” he joked to hundreds of onlookers. “She’s very disappointed she couldn’t be here today.” As knwonw by now: Middleton was asked by her doctors not to make the trip as she continues to suffer from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. The 32-year-old has been experiencing severe pregnancy sickness after announcing she was expecting her second child.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance. Mild cases are treated with dietary changes, rest and antacids. More severe cases often require a stay in the hospital so that the mother can receive fluid and nutrition through an intravenous line (IV). DO NOT take any medications to solve this problem without first consulting your health care provider.

Why Is This Happening To Me?

The majority of pregnant women experience some type ofmorning sickness (70 – 80%). Recent studies show that at least 60,000 cases of extreme morning sickness calledhyperemesis gravidarum (HG) are reported by those who treated in a hospital but the numbers are expected to be much higher than this since many women are treated at home or by out patient care with their health care provider. It is believed that this severe nausea is caused by a rise in hormone levels; however, the absolute cause is still unknown. The symptoms of HG usually appear between 4-6 weeks of pregnancy and may peak between 9-13 weeks. Most women receive some relief between weeks 14-20, although up to 20% of women may require care for hyperemesis throughout the rest of their pregnancy. There is no known prevention of Hyperemesis gravidarum but you can take comfort in knowing that there are ways to manage it.

Distinguishing Between Morning Sickness And Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

Morning Sickness:	Hyperemesis Gravidarum:
Nausea sometimes accompanied by vomiting	Nausea accompanied by severe vomiting
Nausea that subsides at 12 weeks or soon after	Nausea that does not subside
Vomiting that does not cause severe dehydration	Vomiting that causes severe dehydration
Vomiting that allows you to keep some food down	Vomiting that does not allow you to keep any food down

Signs And Symptoms Of Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Food aversions
• Weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight
• Decrease in urination
• Dehydration
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Jaundice
• Extreme fatigue
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Secondary anxiety/depression

What Are The Treatments For Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

In some cases hyperemesis gravidarum is so severe that hospitalization may be required.

Hospital treatment may include some or all of the following:

• Intravenous fluids (IV) – to restore hydration, electrolytes, vitamins, and nutrients
• Tube feeding:
  • Nasogastric – restores nutrients through a tube passing through the nose and to the stomach
  • Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy – restores nutrients through a tube passing through the abdomen and to the stomach; requires a surgical procedure
• Medications – metoclopramide, antihistamines, and antireflux medications*

Other treatments may include:

• Bed Rest –This may provide comfort, but be cautious and aware of the effects of muscle and weight loss due to too much bed rest.
• Acupressure – The pressure point to reduce nausea is located at the middle of the inner wrist, three finger lengths away from the crease of the wrist, and between the two tendons. Locate and press firmly, one wrist at a time for three minutes. Sea bands also help with acupressure and can be found at your local drug store.
• Herbs – ginger or peppermint
• Homeopathic remedies are a non-toxic system of medicines. Do not try to self medicate with homeopathic methods; have a doctor prescribe the proper remedy and dose.
• Hypnosis

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