A mother from Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, found herself in a life-threatening situation when her severe morning sickness led to her slipping into a coma, only to awaken and discover she had given birth to her baby girl. Atlanta McIntyre, 29, initially thought her morning sickness was normal during her second pregnancy, but as it progressed, she started vomiting constantly, indicating a more severe condition. Atlanta was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition causing extreme morning sickness leading to frequent vomiting and potential pregnancy complications. The excessive vomiting led to aspiration, causing pneumonia and ultimately resulted in her being placed in a medically induced coma. Meanwhile, her baby daughter, Poppy, was delivered via caesarean section while Atlanta was unconscious.
As Atlanta struggled through a traumatic pregnancy, losing over two stone due to her inability to keep food down, she was in and out of the hospital weekly for dehydration and dizziness. Despite her worsening condition, Atlanta felt that her concerns were not taken seriously, as she was repeatedly told it was just severe morning sickness. She hopes to share her story to raise awareness about the signs of extreme sickness during pregnancy so that others can seek help sooner. Hyperemesis gravidarum affects around one to three in every 100 women during pregnancy, leading to symptoms such as severe nausea, dehydration, and rapid weight loss, which do not improve after 20 weeks.
The severity of Atlanta’s condition became evident when she began choking on her own vomit, leading to aspiration pneumonia and the subsequent coma. She awoke several days later to learn she had given birth to her daughter while unconscious. Despite her challenging experience, Atlanta was amazed at the resilience of her daughter, who was born prematurely at just 29 weeks. Poppy, who is now ten months old, continues to make progress each day, although she still requires feeding via a tube. Atlanta’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of recognising and addressing severe sickness during pregnancy to prevent life-threatening complications for both the mother and the baby.
The emotional rollercoaster for Atlanta continued post-coma, as she grappled with the reality of becoming a mother to a baby born while she was in a critical condition. The emotional separation from her daughter during her recovery due to pneumonia added to the challenges she faced. Despite the hurdles, she found solace in the progress Poppy was making and the bond they were forming gradually. Atlanta’s story sheds light on the lesser-known struggles that some women face during pregnancy and the critical need for early identification and intervention to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.
Reflecting on her experience, Atlanta emphasises the importance of not dismissing persistent and severe symptoms during pregnancy as mere morning sickness and advocates for a more attentive approach to women reporting such issues. Her journey of overcoming hyperemesis gravidarum and the subsequent recovery underscores the strength and resilience of mothers facing unexpected challenges during what should be a joyous time. Through sharing her story, Atlanta hopes to empower other women to trust their instincts and seek help promptly if they suspect any complications during pregnancy. Poppy’s thriving progress stands as a testament to Atlanta’s unwavering courage and determination amidst adversity, inspiring others to navigate their own journeys with hope and resilience.