(Cortlandt Manor, NY – December 5, 2012) - Morning sickness has never been so popular. With this week’s announcement that Kate Middleton is pregnant and suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, this severe form of morning sickness has become among the top phrases searched on the Internet.
Kate was admitted to the private King Edward VII Hospital in central London on Monday with the ailment that many are suddenly curious about.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition that affects only pregnant women and causes frequent vomiting,’’ said Dr. Laura Mieszerski, OB/GYN with the Westchester Medical Practice in Cortlandt Manor, NY. “It is morning sickness in its most severe form and is seen in less than 2% of pregnancies. Women with hyperemesis gravidarum can lose weight and become severely dehydrated.”
Kate’s brush with the ailment has caused a lot of speculation that she may be having twins. That’s because it is often caused by high levels of the pregnancy hormone, hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin and that happens more often in multiple births. “It is true that nausea and vomiting is more common in women carrying more than one fetus,’’ said Dr. Mieszerski. “Studies also show that a higher number of female babies are born to women whose pregnancy was complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum.
Dr. Meedlen Charles, OB/GYN in the same practice, says that a lot can be done to calm the nausea.
“Symptoms usually start in the first 2 to 3 months of pregnancy,” said Dr. Charles. “They tend to improve by the middle of the pregnancy, although some women feel sick until late in the pregnancy. To feel better, women can try eating smaller meals high in protein and carbohydrates; avoid spicy, greasy or acidic foods; drink fluids and avoid triggers such as stuffy rooms, strong smells, or physical motion. Acupuncture, acupressure, vitamin B6, and foods containing ginger are also said to help.”
Midwife Susan Schmidt, who also works with Dr. Mieszerski and Charles, adds that “using sea bands and eating or just smelling citrus fruits and juices like lemon squeezed into water are other cures.’’
As in Kate’s case, sometimes patients may need to be treated in the hospital with intravenous fluids as well as medications to stop the nausea and vomiting, but with the proper care and time symptoms should resolve.
Women with hyperemesis gravidarum usually give birth to healthy babies if they are treated appropriately during their pregnancy. I'm sure Princess Kate is getting excellent obstetrical care and I wish her a happy and healthy pregnancy,’’ said Dr. Mieszerski.
For more information on OB/GYN care, visit www.wmpny.com or call 736-6180. The OB/GYN practice at Westchester Medical Practice includes Drs. Laura Mieszerski, Meedlen Charles, Sheila Pognon and Midwives Susan Schmidt and Joanne Mazzio.
