The hospitalization of the Duchess of Cambridge has brought public attention to an often misunderstood illness that impacts nearly 1 in 300 pregnant women.
Kate received medical treatment for a form of severe morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. After spending three nights in hospital, the duchess has been released.
An Edmonton woman says she understands the condition all too well. Allison Anderson was incensed when she heard people criticizing the duchess as over-reacting for having to be hospitalized for morning sickness.
Andersontoo suffered hyperemesis through her second pregnancy and her condition required her to be admitted to hospital. She compares the effects of the illness to food poisoning, but a food poisoning that lasts for months on end.
“On one of the worst days, I remember lying on my floor in my bathroom not wishing I was dead, but wondering ‘When will this be over?’, ‘When will this be over?"
For Allison, she couldn't bear any smells, light or loud noises.
Unlike a member of the royal family, Anderson didn't have a fleet of household staff to help care for her 20-month-old. She was forced to take sick leave from work and move in with her parents to help care for her older daughter. Her symptoms improved after two months and she was able to find medication that helped.
Hyperemesis is more common in women carrying multiples because of the increased hormone levels, a fact that has sparked media speculation that the Duchess of Cambridge is carrying twins.
