There will be a new royal joining the family this April, but for the Prince and Princess it will be like riding a bike. They already have two beautiful little ones at home and are quite used to being in the spotlight. It is amazing to watch the couple grow their family while knowing that Prince William is the future King of England, isn't it? As if we personally know Princess Kate, her pregnancies have become our joys, too. We count the months, then weeks, then days until she has each baby. We coach her on from across the globe and cheer as we hear that her natural birth plans go off without a hitch. We then want to high-five her and send all.the.wine.and.chocolate when we learn that she takes it upon herself to possibly choose a homebirth for her third baby. 

Not only is she a princess – a for real princess – but she is a badass. Like all women, Princess Kate is not immune to the negatives that pregnancy can deliver. There is one major ailment that seems to attack the Duchess of Cambridge with each of her pregnancies, and it is far worse than heartburn and insomnia; although, she probably has her fill of those symptoms as well. Princess Kate is one of the unlucky 2% of pregnant women who suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

Here at My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear, we are very close with Jessica Martin-Weber, from The Leaky Boob, who has experienced hyperemesis gravidarum throughout multiple pregnancies. We had a unique opportunity to interview her and learn more about the condition and the emotions that come with it. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the most common signs of hyperemesis gravidarum include:

• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Food aversions
• Weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight
• Decrease in urination
• Dehydration
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Jaundice
• Extreme fatigue
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Secondary anxiety/depression

• IV Fluids
• Bed Rest –This may provide comfort, but be cautious and aware of the effects of muscle and weight loss due to too much bed rest.
• Acupressure – The pressure point to reduce nausea is located at the middle of the inner wrist, three finger lengths away from the crease of the wrist, and between the two tendons. Locate and press firmly, one wrist at a time for three minutes. Sea bands also help with acupressure and can be found at your local drug store.
• Herbs – ginger or peppermint
• Homeopathic remedies are a non-toxic system of medicines. Do not try to self-medicate with homeopathic methods; have a doctor prescribe the proper remedy and dose.
• Hypnosis