Mother Urges Better Care for Extreme Pregnancy Sickness After Daughter's Suicide

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A mother's heartfelt plea for better care is being heard after her daughter's tragic death due to extreme pregnancy sickness. Susan Cronshaw's daughter, Jess, was just 26 years old and 28 weeks pregnant when she took her own life in November 2022. Her daughter, Elsie, was delivered by emergency C-section but sadly died four days later. Jess had been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe pregnancy sickness condition that causes debilitating nausea and frequent vomiting during pregnancy, often leading to dehydration, rapid weight loss, and malnutrition.

Jess's mother, Susan, told ITV News that she never wants anyone else with the illness to feel so desperate. She described how her daughter felt like no one was listening, and they weren't. It felt like she was just pushed from pillar to post, with nobody taking charge of her care. Jess saw GPs, midwives, nurses, and consultants, but Susan says no one recognized how sick she was or provided a treatment plan. She was prescribed anti-sickness medication that helped, but was told by Royal Blackburn Hospital to stop taking them after they mistakenly informed her that the drugs would harm her baby.

The inquest into Jess and Elsie's deaths in January 2024 concluded that failings in Jess' care contributed to the deterioration in her mental health. The coroner highlighted a lack of mental health exploration at routine antenatal appointments and the incorrect advice to wean off anti-sickness medication. According to the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support, there is a systemic misunderstanding of HG within the NHS. A survey found that 58% of women rated their GP care as "poor" during their first HG pregnancy, while 48% said the same about treatment from midwives. The charity's CEO, Charlotte Howden, said that not enough change has happened to prevent another woman from sadly and tragically making the decision to take their own life from this condition.

Susan now wants UK-wide improvements in the management of the condition. She believes that if one person had taken her daughter's condition seriously and ensured she felt heard, it would have changed the outcome altogether. The family described Jess as ambitious, active, and independent, adding that she loved being a teacher and got up for a 5am walk most days. However, during her pregnancy, Jess could barely move from her bed or sofa, experiencing constant nausea and was unable to eat or drink without vomiting. The NHS has apologized for failing Jess and Elsie and has since updated local guidance to reflect national recommendations. All women receiving treatment for hyperemesis are now seen regularly in consultant-led antenatal clinics.

Here are some key points and statistics related to hyperemesis gravidarum: * Hyperemesis gravidarum affects up to 2% of pregnant women * 58% of women rated their GP care as "poor" during their first HG pregnancy * 48% of women said the same about treatment from midwives * The condition can lead to dehydration, rapid weight loss, and malnutrition * Women with the condition frequently report feeling as if they are dying * The UK government is working to improve care for women with HG, including increasing treatment and support for pregnant women through maternal medicine networks. Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.