Kate Middleton pregancy: Duchess’s morning sickness bug explained

Published on 03/12/2012 16:52

St James’s Palace today announced that Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting a child however the announcement has been tempered with the news that the Duchesss is suffering from a severe form of morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

A statement from the palace read: “The Duchess was admitted this afternoon to King Edward VII Hospital in central London with hyperemesis gravidarum.

“As the pregnancy is in its very early stages, Her Royal Highness is expected to stay in hospital for several days and will require a period of rest thereafter.”

What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

For women with hyperemesis gravidarum their vomiting can be so severe they cannot keep food or liquid down.

The condition usually continues past the first three months of pregnancy and can pass by week 21, but may also last longer.

Hyperemesis is considered a rare complication of pregnancy which occurs in the early months of pregnancy.

Women experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum often are dehydrated and lose weight despite efforts to eat.

The nausea and vomiting begins in the first or second month of pregnancy. It is extreme and is not helped by normal measures.