On October 14, 2024, Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington and her husband, singer and actor Banky W, announced the birth of their second child. The couple shared the news with gratitude, while fans and colleagues flooded their pages with congratulatory messages.
Months after, Etomi-Wellington revealed that her pregnancy had been marked by significant health challenges, including a severe condition that left her hospitalized multiple times.
In a candid birthday appreciation post, Adesua decided it was time to set the record straight. This pregnancy hadn’t been about cute baby kicks and waddling around in stylish maternity wear. Instead, it had been nine months of survival mode, thanks to hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)—a condition that sounds fancy but is really just a cruel joke played on pregnant women. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a pregnancy complication that causes extreme nausea, persistent vomiting, and rapid weight loss. Unlike typical morning sickness, HG can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and prolonged hospitalization.
“If you’re going through this, I see you. It’s not in your head. You are as ill as you feel, and yes, you need help,” she wrote.
For months, she struggled to keep food and water down, relying on medical intervention to manage the symptoms. At the same time, her husband underwent surgery for a cancerous tumor, adding further emotional strain. The pregnancy ended with an emergency C-section, concluding what she described as a physically and mentally exhausting period.
Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum
For those thinking, “Oh, every pregnant woman gets morning sickness,” let’s be clear—hyperemesis gravidarum is the Hulk version of morning sickness.
While regular morning sickness is like a bad hangover that fades, HG is a full-blown, never-ending stomach flu that laughs at ginger tea and dry crackers. Women with HG can vomit up to 50 times a day, lose 5-10% of their body weight, and end up hospitalized for dehydration and malnutrition. Some require IV fluids, feeding tubes, or extended medical care just to make it through pregnancy.
But here’s the worst part—many people don’t take it seriously. Women with HG are often told they’re exaggerating or being dramatic. Imagine vomiting every 20 minutes and someone tells you to “just eat some crackers.” The frustration is real.
Hyperemesis gravidarum affects a small percentage of pregnancies but can have severe consequences if left untreated. Without proper treatment, HG can lead to organ damage, long-term health complications, and increased risks for both mother and baby. Yet, despite its severity, it’s often overlooked in maternal healthcare. Unlike typical morning sickness, which usually subsides after the first trimester, HG can last throughout pregnancy.
Adesua’s story is one that many women can relate to but don’t often speak about. Her decision to share her experience brings attention to the very real struggles of pregnancy complications.
She joins a growing list of public figures, including Kate Middleton and Amy Schumer, who have used their platforms to raise awareness about HG and maternal health. The message is clear—pregnancy isn’t always smooth sailing, and women going through it deserve proper medical care, not just well-meaning but useless advice.
