WEST MICHIGAN — About 70 to 80% of women experience some sort of morning sickness during pregnancy, but for thousands the condition is much more debilitating.
An expert we talked to says 3 in 100 pregnant women experienceHyperemesis gravidarum.
The condition may sound familiar to some of you. It made headlines when Kate Middleton struggled with it when she was expecting.
We talked to a local mom who is battling the condition and she's urging women to be checked if they experience symptoms.
Autumn Crocker is about 20 weeks pregnant with her second baby and said the condition not only made it difficult to carry out everyday tasks, but she was unable to take care of her first born as the condition worsened.
Hyperemesis gravidarum triggers extreme bouts of nausea and vomiting. It can also cause a major loss of hydration and drop in weight. For Autumn, she lost about 40 lbs., and now receives three hour infusion treatments daily.
It's a good reminder for expected mothers to listen to your body and to not ignore what it might be telling you.
Experts aren't sure the exact cause of Hyperemesis gravidarum, but believe it may be due to a change in hormone levels during pregnancy. While some women improve as the pregnancy progresses, others do not.
If you suspect you may have the condition, make an appointment with your doctor or OBGYN.
