Kate Middleton Hospitalized for Hyperemesis Gravidarum — Acute Morning Sickness

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Kate Middleton was admitted to the hospital for morning sickness, just as Clarence House confirmed her first pregnancy on Dec. 3. HollywoodLife.com spoke EXCLUSIVELY to doctors, who shed some light on Kate’s condition.

It was officially confirmed on December 3 that Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their first child, but in the statement, some concerns arose when it was revealed that Kate would have to be in the hospital for “several days.” We have the EXCLUSIVE details on her sickness, how common it is and when she is expected to recover.

Their Official Annoucement

In the official statement, Clarence House wrote, “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. 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.”

They were quick to define Hyperemesis Gravidarum, saying it “is very acute morning sickness, which requires supplementary hydration and nutrients.”

An Expert’s Take On Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Dr. Ronald Minutoli, a NYC-based internist, tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that hospitalization “happens more often than you think” because “when women get morning sickness, they don’t eat or drink normal amounts.”

Since women “can get dehydrated and get low on electrolytes and fluids,” going to the hospital for an IV is helpful to keep the mom-to-be hydrated.

Dr. Minutoli adds that Reglan is a safe medication to take during pregnancy to help with sickness.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum can be particularly severe for a couple of weeks but by the fourth month of pregnancy, it should subside.

Why Is Kate Hospitalized?

Dr. Joel Batzofin, a pregnancy and fertility expert also spoke to us EXCLUSIVELY, explaining, “HG can get pretty significant, but in layman’s terms it is extreme morning sickness. However, it is not just in the mornings, it can go on all day and all night. It can causes disturbances to blood chemistry. It is very significant if she is in hospital. I would speculate that she is in her first trimester, because this condition would rarely pass into the second trimester. She is most likely receiving intravenous medication — nutrients and fluid. They will be monitoring her closely so that she can get the fluids that she needs. Hopefully she will have an uneventful pregnancy and an heir to the throne!”

Dr. Batzofin adds, “The chance of this condition affecting the baby are very slim. If it is neglected it could get bad, but I’m sure she will be fine.”

Explaining Kate’s Treatment

As far as a medication that could be used to treat her morning sickness, Dr. Batzofin says, “It all depends on the severity. If it is really bad, she could have anti nausea patches placed behind her ears, or they may administer medication intravenously. They will avoid if possible.”

Who Does Hyperemesis Gravidarum Affect?

This condition tends to be more common in young mothers, women who are in their first pregnancy, and those with multiple pregnancies. Women with HG often lose weight – usually over 10 per cent of their body weight – and feel tired and dizzy. The main risk is dehydration which can lead to headache, palpitations and confusion, according to The Daily Mail.

However, leading doctors say that, along with more ordinary morning sickness, HG is a sign the pregnancy is progressing. It generally continues until around 12 or 14 weeks, but sometimes can last until 21 weeks into a pregnancy.

Allison Fox, MD, from One Medical, says that there are several things Kate can do to prevent morning sickness in the future. “I would recommend that she eats small, regular meals, and drinks Ginger-ale and eats popsicles. Also, acupuncture and acupressure are really helpful. She could also try moderate exercise and meditation to ease the symptoms.”

What do you think, HollywoodLifers? Do you think Kate’s hospitalization is just a precaution?