MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. News

What Is The Pregnancy Condition Kate Middleton Is Suffering From?

Hyperemesis Gravidarum can be far more serious than you'd think - by Isabelle Truman
  • 05 Sep 2017
What Is The Pregnancy Condition Kate Middleton Is Suffering From?

Last night, Kensington Palace announced that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their third child.

Alongside the happy announcement, the statement read that Kate Middleton is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), an illness she also had while pregnant with both Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

“The Duchess is being cared for at Kensington Palace,” the post revealed, as well as cancelling Queen Elizabeth II’s event in London so Her Royal Highness could stay at the palace with the family.

Kensington Palace on Twitter

So what is Hyperemesis Gravidarum, and how serious can it be? 

While many articles on the Duchess’ third pregnancy define the pregnancy complication as “acute morning sickness,” anyone who’s suffered from a severe case of Hyperemesis Gravidarum will tell you that description couldn’t be further from the truth. 

While up to 80 percent of women experience some form of morning sickness, according to Health Direct Australia, only 0.3-1.5 per cent experience HG. "Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a condition used to describe severe nausea and uncontrolled vomiting that can occur during pregnancy," Melbourne-based obstetrician Dr. Philippa Costley explains. "It can also be associated with weight loss and dehydration."

Dr. Costley says the condition usually lasts until the end of the first trimester, "but for some women, it can go into the second and for severe suffers it can last until the baby is born." 

The silver lining? The illness rarely persists after birth.

While extreme cases are rare, HG can be so bad that women are bedridden and unable to keep even a drop of water down. "In severe cases, I've seen women who haven't eaten for the entire pregnancy," Dr. Costley says.

kate middleton

The Duchess while pregnant with Princess Charlotte in 2015

Imagine not being able to keep down a sip of water (don’t even think about food), throwing up 20 times per day, having to quit work three months into your pregnancy because you’re too ill to leave the house (and can’t really keep your head in the bin at your desk all day), and worrying that your unborn child isn’t going to survive if you can’t somehow manage to eat something.

Thankfully, Dr. Costley says HG is generally not a worry for the unborn baby's health. "It often actually shows that the pregnancy is continuing, and it generally has minimal impact on the baby." 

The Duchess, of course, is luckier than most women: she has staff on hand to tend to her every need - and look after her two children while she is sick - and the ability to quickly cancel all further engagements to focus on her health, without worry about income or finances. 

Regardless, HG would be tough on anyone and our thoughts go out to both Kate and the third (sure to be gorgeous) royal baby.

RELATED: The Major Clue That Gave Away Kate Middleton's Pregnancy

RELATED: Kate Middleton's Best Maternity Style 

  • News
  • Royals
  • Parenting

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

Royal Experts Are Convinced Kate Middleton Is Expecting Again

Royal Experts Are Convinced Kate Middleton Is Expecting Again

Kate Middleton Is Trying This Traditional Remedy To Cure Morning Sickness

Kate Middleton Is Trying This Traditional Remedy To Cure Morning Sickness

Kate Middleton Appears In Important Mental Health Video

Kate Middleton Appears In Important Mental Health Video

Every Time Kate Middleton Has Re-Worn An Outfit

Every Time Kate Middleton Has Re-Worn An Outfit

{headline}

{headline}

Kate Middleton Brings Old Hollywood Glamour To The 'Top Gun: Maverick' Premiere

Kate Middleton Brings Old Hollywood Glamour To The 'Top Gun: Maverick' Premiere

How Kate Middleton's Fashion Awards Outfit Showcased A Rising Talent

How Kate Middleton's Fashion Awards Outfit Showcased A Rising Talent

Why Kate Middleton & Prince William's Caribbean Tour Is Shrouded In Controversy

Why Kate Middleton & Prince William's Caribbean Tour Is Shrouded In Controversy

{headline}

{headline}

Kate Middleton's Blue Commonwealth Day Outfit Included A Special Nod To Ukraine

Kate Middleton's Blue Commonwealth Day Outfit Included A Special Nod To Ukraine

Kate Middleton Says She's Still "Broody" For A Fourth Baby As She Arrives In Denmark

Kate Middleton Says She's Still "Broody" For A Fourth Baby As She Arrives In Denmark

Kate Middleton Has Extended Her Wardrobe Repertoire Into Leopard Print Territory

Kate Middleton Has Extended Her Wardrobe Repertoire Into Leopard Print Territory

Is Camel The Ultimate Transeasonal Shade? Kate Middleton Seems To Think So

Is Camel The Ultimate Transeasonal Shade? Kate Middleton Seems To Think So

Kate Middleton's First Outing For 2022 Included The Perfect Pair Of Flares

Kate Middleton's First Outing For 2022 Included The Perfect Pair Of Flares

This Is How Much Kate Middleton's Jewellery Collection (Loaned & Owned) Is Actually Worth

This Is How Much Kate Middleton's Jewellery Collection (Loaned & Owned) Is Actually Worth

A Rare Unseen Photo Of Kate Middleton During Her University Days Has Surfaced

A Rare Unseen Photo Of Kate Middleton During Her University Days Has Surfaced

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire