Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington has opened up about her struggle with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe pregnancy condition, following the heartbreaking news of a pregnant woman in the UK who took her own life due to extreme morning sickness.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a rare but serious medical condition that causes excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It can lead to severe dehydration, weight loss, and dangerous electrolyte imbalances. Unlike regular morning sickness, this condition can drastically affect a person’s quality of life.
Adesua, who welcomed her second child with her husband, singer and actor Bankole Wellington (popularly known as Banky W), in 2024, shared her personal experience with the condition. Reacting to the news of Jess Cronshaw, a UK woman who died by suicide after battling extreme morning sickness, Adesua expressed frustration over the lack of awareness surrounding hyperemesis gravidarum.
According to reports, Jess Cronshaw struggled with relentless morning sickness that left her bedridden, ultimately leading to her tragic decision. The news deeply resonated with Adesua, who took to Instagram on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, to emphasize the severity of the condition and how misunderstood it is.
Sharing her thoughts on her Instagram story, the actress wrote; “When I talk about the seriousness of hyperemesis gravidarum, people don’t get it, and I hate it. I am grateful for my husband, my doctors, family, and friends who rallied around me. It is not an ordinary morning sickness. It is a serious condition that literally affects the quality of your life.”
Adesua’s candid revelation sheds light on the emotional and physical toll that hyperemesis gravidarum can have on pregnant women. She acknowledged the crucial role her support system played in helping her navigate the challenging experience, expressing gratitude to her husband, medical team, family, and friends for standing by her side.
Her statement has sparked conversations about the need for greater awareness and understanding of pregnancy-related health issues. Many women who have experienced hyperemesis gravidarum often find themselves dismissed or misunderstood, with people assuming it is just a more intense form of morning sickness. However, as Adesua highlighted, the condition is far more severe and can lead to devastating consequences if not properly managed.
The tragic case of Jess Cronshaw serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health support for pregnant women facing extreme health challenges. Adesua’s openness about her own struggles is encouraging discussions about how society can better support women dealing with such conditions.
By sharing her story, the actress is helping to break the stigma surrounding pregnancy-related illnesses and emphasizing the need for compassion, medical intervention, and emotional support for affected women. Her message is a powerful call for awareness, reminding people that hyperemesis gravidarum is not just morning sickness.
