Trigger warning: This article mentions suicide and infant loss
UK school teacher, Jessica Cronshaw’s journey to becoming a mother, once filled with anticipation and joy, turned into a tragic ordeal due to the rare and severe pregnancy complication known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).
This condition, brought into the spotlight by Kate Middleton’s struggles, is characterised by severe morning sickness, extreme nausea and vomiting. Sadly, Jessica’s severe morning sickness acted as a catalyst that ultimately led to Jessica’s untimely death and the loss of her unborn daughter, Elsie.
Months of severe morning sickness
Like many expecting mothers, Jessica was overjoyed upon discovering her pregnancy. Sadly, her excitement quickly faded as HG took over and left her bedridden.
Despite trying various remedies and being prescribed medication, Jessica’s symptoms only worsened, leading to significant weight loss.
Her doctor suggested trying to eat more and visiting McDonald’s for relief. After four months of suffering, Jessica was put on a new medication that showed promise. Despite still being bedridden, Jessica could stomach small amounts of food again.
However, weeks later, she was advised by a midwife to reduce it due to potential risks for her baby. Tragically, following this advice had fatal consequences for both Jessica and her unborn daughter.
Throughout her ordeal, Jessica expressed feelings of isolation, anxiety, and ‘feeling down’. She did not receive any mental health support during her ordeal with HG and in November 2022, at 28 weeks pregnant, she attempted to take her own life.
She was rushed to the hospital and underwent an emergency caesarean section.
Unfortunately, baby Elsie did not survive, and four days later, Jessica’s brain damage was deemed irreversible.
She passed away on November 19.
Rapid transformation
Through the grief, Eddie Leck, Jessica’s devastated partner and father to Elise, expressed frustration and sadness at the lack of care his partner received.
Eddie admitted it felt like no one had listened to the family, describing Jessica’s tragic transformation:
[Jessica’s] rapid transformation from an energetic, active woman to a woman who barely had the strength to get out of bed in the morning”.
During the inquest, Sue, Jess’s mum, shared a photo of Jessica holding her baby nephew, showing the effects of HG.
In a statement, she said:
“Jess would have been the most amazing mum to Elsie. I will never be able to watch my granddaughter grow up; I am broken by this. My heart has been ripped out and each day is a struggle and soul-destroying.
Jess became a shell of a person who struggled to lift her head off the pillow at times. I will never be whole again.
At the beginning of the pregnancy, I feel there were failings that could have changed the outcome. I have struggled to move past it. It would have just taken one person to recognise how much she was suffering.
The pressure piled on Jess and all she wanted to do was protect Elsie. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a debilitating illness which is under-researched. Jess and Elsie will never be forgotten.”
Inquiry into Jessica’s tragic passing
An inquiry into her passing revealed that Jessica had been provided with inaccurate advice to reduce the prescribed medication, Xonvea, by Dr. Helen Collier.
Contrary to advice the midwife gave her, the medication did not pose a threat to Jessica’s baby.
Obstetrician Dr. Shambhavi Singh, in a statement, claimed she couldn’t recollect instructing midwife Allison Whitehead to counsel Jessica on dosage reduction.
Nonetheless, the call was initiated, and the pleas for assistance from Jessica’s family seemed to be disregarded.
Whitehead acknowledged her oversight in not arranging an in-person appointment for the struggling mum, acknowledging the challenge of comprehending a pregnant mother’s state of mind over the phone.
She conceded that a face-to-face conversation might have influenced her reaction.
Lack of care led to impulsive decision
The investigation brought to light a neglect of Jessica’s mental health. The court was informed that Jessica did not undergo adequate mental health or weight assessments, and her compliance with medication was not thoroughly evaluated.
Coroner Kate Bisset concluded that she was ‘convinced that her care contributed to a deterioration in (Cronshaw’s) mental health,’ ultimately leading to the ‘impulsive’ decision to end her life.
‘The absence of comprehensive care for Jessica’s severe pregnancy sickness was a contributing factor to her mental health deterioration.
Jess acted impulsively… her mental health had deteriorated such that she wasn’t her usual self. This was not a carefully thought-out plan. I don’t believe she would have carried out that act if she had not been mentally unwell.
This case should serve as a reminder to healthcare professionals about the critical importance of addressing the wide-ranging impacts of hyperemesis gravidarum, including its mental health aspects.’
There needs to be public awareness and more information about the crippling impact of this condition and how it can change the lives of those who suffer from it, or in this case end them.”
The coroner continued:
“If love alone could have saved Jessica and Elsie, I am quite sure we would not be sitting here.
Jessica Elizabeth Cronshaw was, and is, a very much-loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, partner and friend. Importantly, it must not be forgotten that she was also a much-loved mother, a mother who loved her baby daughter and had hopes, dreams and aspirations for a long and happy life with her partner and daughter.”
The severity of HG underappreciated
Although rare, hyperemesis gravidarum has gained widespread attention due to high-profile cases like Amber Rose, Kate Middleton, Kelly Clarkson, Amy Schumer, Kim Kardashian, Mandy Moore, and Ayesha Curry, to name a few.
Approximately 1 in 100 women suffer from this condition. It can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and vitamin deficiencies, often continuing throughout pregnancy. Some have elected to terminate subsequent pregnancies due to the severity of the condition. If left untreated, HG can increase anxiety and depression, tear the oesophagus and leave one isolated because not many people can truly understand or empathise.
Dr Caitlin Dean, spokesperson and trustee at Pregnancy Sickness Support said the inquest into Jessica’s death and the acknowledgement of the link between inadequate HG treatment and severe mental health issues was a “long-overdue revelation”.
“For too long, the severity of HG has been underappreciated. This marks a crucial turning point for how this condition is perceived and treated,” Dr Dean said.
“What’s shocking and scary is that the failings in this case are more often than not the experience a woman with HG has of the healthcare system.
The vast majority of women say they are not listened to, are just dismissed as having morning sickness. That is absolutely normal and what’s got to change and until that changes, there will be another death like this.”
Jessica’s family and friends have set up a fundraiser, raising funds for Pregnancy Sickness Support. So far they have raised over £45,000.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or another mental health concern, please seek help from your doctor or a healthcare professional. In Australia, you can access 24-hour support through Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In case of an emergency, call 000.
