This is How Meghan Markle’s Pregnancy is Already Drastically Different Than Kate Middleton’s
Royal baby news is always as exciting as royal wedding news. On the heels of Princess Eugenie’s nuptials comes the announcement that Duchess Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are expecting their first baby, ABC News reports.
The Duchess is currently 12 weeks pregnant. Husband Harry was smitten when the couple received their first baby gift while touring Australia. “Thank you for the incredibly warm welcome and the chance to meet so many Aussies from all walks of life…we also genuinely couldn’t think of a better place to announce the…upcoming baby, whether it be a boy or a girl,” he said, Elle reports. “So thank you very, very much.”
The couple is on an Australian tour for the rest of October, which means Markle will be in her second trimester by the time she arrives back in London. Markle looks happy and energetic, taking on a whirlwind tour during her first trimester. However, her pregnancy differs drastically from her sister-in-law Kate Middleton at this time.
This is how Markle feels so far
Many women experience a number of unpleasant symptoms during pregnancy, especially in the beginning. Common symptoms include fatigue, heartburn, food aversion, nausea and vomiting to name just a few, according to Mayo Clinic. Many women feel emotional, dealing with a wide range often at once.
So far, Markle seems to be breezing through the early weeks, saying she is “feeling well,” according to People. She also looks happy and rested in photos taken at Princess Eugenie’s wedding, as well as photos in Australia.
Middleton had a different experience during her first trimester
While nausea and vomiting may be common during the first trimester, Middleton suffered from an extreme version called hyperemesis gravidarum. She experienced this severe form of morning sickness during all three pregnancies, according to CBS News.
Unlike Markle, hyperemesis gravidarum struck Middleton around week eight to 12 of her pregnancy, according to Forbes. She was hospitalized to treat the condition during her first pregnancy.
And while Markle embarks upon her Australian tour, Middleton was forced to cancel a number of appearances while newly pregnant, E News reports. During her second pregnancy, she sent an apology note when she had to cancel, yet another engagement, US Weekly reports.
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Markle may feel a little queasy as 80% of women experience some form of nausea during pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Markle may also fall into that lucky 20% of those who experience no morning sickness. The cause is unknown. However, hormonal changes, dehydration, and the body’s chemistry may contribute to nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, according to H.E.R. Foundation.
Hospitals report about 600,000 cases of the severest form of morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum. But the American Pregnancy Association suggests that number may be even higher. Symptoms include nausea with severe vomiting, nausea that does not go away, and vomiting that causes dehydration. Eating may be difficult as well.
Dangerous dehydration and weight loss may occur. Additionally, severe forms require hospitalization where the mother receives IV treatment. Also, some women may benefit from medications, carefully prescribed by their obstetrician. Some include metoclopramide, antihistamines, and antireflux medications.
Hyperemesis gravidarum prognosis
Nausea and vomiting typically subside after the first trimester, according to H.E.R. Foundation. Some endure symptoms until about 20 weeks of gestation. However, about 10% to 20% of mothers may experience hyperemesis gravidarum through delivery. Although symptoms may be less severe.
Women who experienced hyperemesis gravidarum in previous pregnancies will likely have it in future pregnancies. Middleton had it for all three of her’s.
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