Royal baby: What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

The Duchess of Cambridge was admitted to hospital with hyperemesis gravidarum (acute morning sickness) this afternoon. Here are the effects of the condition.

• Vomiting can be so severe the woman cannot keep food or liquid down.
• The condition usually continues past the first three months.
• Hyperemesis gravidarum can pass by week 21 but may also last longer.

• The severity of the vomiting can cause dehydration and weight loss.
• It affects 3.5 per 1,000 pregnant women and can cause women to vomit blood.

• Symptoms also include severe nausea, low blood pressure and fast heart rate, headaches, lethargy or confusion.