Kate Middleton Pregnant, But In Hospital

The months of speculations are finally over.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, are expecting their first child!

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby. The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry and members of both families are delighted with the news.

But the good news has been dampened slightly by the news that Kate, who is not yet 12 weeks pregnant, has been admitted to hospital because of a condition of pregnancy:

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.

Kate Middleton is not the only celebrity who has had hyperemesis gravidarum. Today Maria Schriver tweeted:

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum and how is it different from Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness, which is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, is very common. It is estimated that 70-80% of women suffer from some degree of morning sickness. Most complain of nausea, and a third will also have vomiting. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the time. It usually begins during the first month of pregnancy and continues through the 14th to 16th week (3rd or 4th month).

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a more severe form of morning sickness. HG is extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that may lead to dehydration.

It is postulated that both morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum are caused by a variety of factors. These include the rise in the hormone human chorionic gonaditropin (HCG), slow emptying of the stomach after eating and genetic factors. Its exact cause is remains unknown. It is more common during pregnancies with multiples (twins, triplets, etc) and in a condition called hydatidiform mole.

The symptoms of HG include:

• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight
• Dehydration
• Decrease in urination
• Aversion to food
• Headaches
• Fainting

How is it treated?

Small, frequent meals and eating dry foods such as crackers may help relieve uncomplicated nausea. Drink plenty of fluids, especially at times of the day when the nausea is less of a problem. Seltzer, ginger ale, or other sparkling waters are good choices.

Severe cases of HG require hospitalization. The pregnant mother will receive IV (intravenous) fluids and may have a small feeding tube placed in the stomach to restore nutrients.

Most cases of HG resolve by 20-21 weeks of pregnancy.

For more information, go to the Resounding Health Casebook on the topic.

Our congratulations and best wishes to the royal couple!

Hopefully Kate’s condition is not overly severe and that her hospitalization is due to an overabundance of caution.

COMING TOMORROW: Our interview with @HGHusband of Pregnancy Sickness Support UK