Kate Middleton advised to drink flat coke to combat morning sickness

A leading pregnancy expert has advised the Duchess of Cambridge to try drinking flat coke to relieve her morning sickness, also known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

News of Kate Middleton’s pregnancy was confirmed by Kensington Palace saying: ‘Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child.

‘The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.

‘As with her first pregnancy, The Duchess is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum. The Duchess of Cambridge is being treated by doctors at Kensington Palace.’

There is no cure for morning sickness, but women can take steps to help combat the condition, according to Alison Edwards, senior lecturer in Midwifery at Birmingham City University.

She said: “Though there are few sources of scientific evidence to support any ‘remedies’, making sure fluid intake is maintained is a priority.

“Flat coke has been found to help here as can arrowroot or ginger. Some women swear by travel bands. Small low fat meals can help and avoiding anything spicy. If the symptoms become excessive then medical advice must be sought as there are medications that can reduce the sickness and nausea; these do need prescribing however.

“Excessive morning sickness can make women unwell and certainly miserable, so plenty of support and rest are vital, especially if admission to hospital is required as Kate was last year. There are also support groups set up by women who have experienced hyperemesis.”

Kate Middleton gave birth to the couple’s first child, Prince George of Cambridge, on 22 July last year.

Her doctors are Alan Farthing, the surgeon gynaecologist to the Queen and Guy Thorpe-Beeston, the surgeon gynaecologist to the royal household.