Duchess of Cambridge Confirmed Pregnant: Kate Middleton Experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum
The Duchess of Cambridge has been confirmed to be carrying a second baby. Clarence House had confirmed the reports via Twitter. However, the pregnancy isn't starting out to be good for Kate Middleton as the Duchess is reportedly suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum.
During her first pregnancy to Prince George, Kate Middleton was hospitalized for acute morning sickness. In December 2012, Kate was hospitalized due to hyperemesis gravidarum. Now that she's pregnant again, the Duchess is already suffering the same sickness. What exactly is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition common in expectant women. This is characterized by vomiting, severe nausea, electrolyte disturbance and weight loss. While mild cases are simply treated with rest, antacids and dietary changes, the severe cases require hospitalization so that the mother receives nutrition and fluids via an intravenous route. This condition affects 3 out of 1,000 women.
Regarding Kate Middleton's condition, the Duchess is currently treated at the Kensington Palace by doctors. Given her condition, the Duchess missed the planned visit at Oxford with Prince William. The Prince was however "thrilled" with the pregnancy but added it has been quite "tricky."
"It's been a tricky few days, a week or so, but obviously we're immensely thrilled, it's great news," stated Prince William to reporters during the Oxford public event.
Representatives of the royals have yet to confirm if Kate Middleton would continue her solo trip to Malta later in the month due to her pregnancy. Yet, the Duchess is still set to appear alongside Prince Harry at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games on Wednesday in London.
As for the second royal baby news, Twitter has gone into a meltdown following the announcement from Clarence House. The hash tag #RoyalBaby had trended in minutes with Nissan even managing to insert a quick advertisement about the X Trail. Prime Minister David Cameron had also managed to say his congratulations to the expecting couple.