A big announcement came from the Royal family yesterday: the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge are expecting baby #2! Kate is about 2 months along, and the parents couldn’t be happier!

Usually this sort of news would not be made public before the three month preggo mark, but for the second time Kate is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Whether you are a Royal or not, Hyperemesis gravidarum {or HG for short} is a painstaking ordeal to go through.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a complication of pregnancy characterized by intractable nausea, vomiting, and dehydration and is estimated to affect 0.5–2.0% of pregnant women. Malnutrition and other serious complications, such as fluid or electrolyte imbalances, may result.

Hyperemesis is considered a rare complication of pregnancy, but because nausea and vomiting during pregnancy exist on a spectrum, it is often difficult to distinguish this condition from the more common form of nausea and vomiting experienced during pregnancy known as morning sickness.

Hyperemesis gravidarum almost killed me. Although it is extremely uncomfortable and very unpleasant, HG isn’t typically dangerous. But my case was a totally different story. 55lbs lost in less than two months, inability to tend to daily activities such as walking and even drinking, and feeling like i was dying. every single day. even the sight of water made me vomit! because i was young with no health insurance at the time, i was also stupid. HG ended up killing my unborn baby before i could make it to my second trimester. to this day it was the absolute worst thing i have ever been through and i would not wish it on anyone.

Duchess Kate has pushed Hyperemesis gravidarum into the public eye which has made awareness increase tremendously, and i applaud her bravery. For more information about Hyperemesis gravidarum, visit http://www.helpher.org/ and show your support!

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