Hyperemesis Gravidarum
It’s been widely reported that Kate and William are expecting their first child. The news included the information that Kate is experiencing an extreme form of morning sickness diagnosed as hyperemesis gravidarum, known as HG. Kate has been hospitalized as the risks are immediate and severe. What is less reported are the long-term risks to the child and mother.
Few are conducting research on hyperemesis gravidarum, but one doc who specializes in HG refers to a paper that found children of women who had extreme nausea/vomiting during pregnancy had “more attention problems and difficulty in task persistence at ages five and 12.”
Dr. Marlena Fejzo, in the New York Times blog Well interview, alerts readers that pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum may experience post-traumatic stress symptoms after the pregnancy. 80% of those suffering with HG will have it with the second child, so many probably choose to adopt or forego having more children.
