First-Time Mom Suffering From Extreme Morning Sickness Dies by Suicide

TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about suicide, which may be triggering to some.

When a mom-to-be in the United Kingdom found out she was pregnant, she was thrilled to start her family. Sadly, Jessica Cronshaw's journey to motherhood was met with serious complications, including a struggle with hyperemesis gravidarum, which many refer to as extreme morning sickness. The illness, which causes debilitating nausea and vomiting, proved to be too much for the 26-year-old woman.

Her family fears that her struggle with hyperemesis gravidarum, or HG, may have contributed to her death by suicide. Today, they are working to bring awareness to the illness to hopefully prevent another death.

Cronshaw's illness was reportedly debilitating.

The Mirror reported that Cronshaw and her partner, Eddie Leck, were thrilled to become parents. But Cronshaw's illness put a damper on the exciting time. She apparently became so ill that she lost a tremendous amount of weight and loved ones feared she had an eating disorder.

Her HG not only affected her physical health, but Leck also said during an inquest into his partner's death that the couple believed that her mental health was not being properly addressed. "It felt like no-one was listening to us," he said during the inquest.

After weeks of suffering, Cronshaw reportedly took her own life.

Per LancsLive, her mother found Cronshaw hanging in a bedroom at her home when she was 28 weeks pregnant. Doctors delivered the couple's daughter, Elsie, but she did not survive after her premature birth. The mother and daughter died in November 2022.

"The family say that Jess took her own life and that had a knock-on effect for Elsie," barrister Phil Holden said during the inquest. "Her mental health deteriorated as a consequence of hyperemesis. [Before] she was happy, engaged with her work and had a healthy relationship. Hyperemesis had a dramatic effect on her."

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Medical professionals allegedly ignored Cronshaw's mental health.

Area coroner Kate Bisset concluded after the investigation that Cronshaw's medical care was insufficient. "One key incidence was the lack of mental health awareness. There were occasions when Jess was simply not asked about her mental health," Bisset said, according to LancsLive.

Bisset added that Cronshaw's mental health likely led to her death.

"Jess acted impulsively ... her mental health had deteriorated such that she wasn't her usual self. This was not a careful thought out plan. I don't believe she would have carried out that act if she had not been mentally unwell," she said.

Her family is dedicated to bringing awareness to the effects of HG.

Cronshaw's family has continued to campaign for improvements in prenatal mental health care since her untimely death, per LancsLive. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins recently discussed the future mom's death and announced new support for mothers-to-be across England.

More from CafeMom: I'm Pregnant & It Makes Me Feel Like a Bad Mom

A fundraiser continues to honor the lives lost.

Her loved ones have raised approximately $59,000 USD in a JustGiving fundraiser in Cronshaw's honor. Donors have left words of support.

Women who experienced similar symptoms showed love.

"Can't stop thinking about this story. As a HG sufferer, I completely understand how Jess felt, this shouldn't have happened :( rest peacefully Jess and Elsie❤️," someone wrote.

Many other people agreed.

"Broke my heart reading about your experience. I suffered HG with both my pregnancies but lucky enough to find treatments to help me survive. Without them I could have easily been in Jessica's place x," one person commented.

"I'm so so sorry for your loss and cannot imagine the pain your family must be going through to lose two beautiful souls in such a tragic way. Sending love, your PSS fundraising will change lives," another person wrote.

Suicide content. Add in italics and bold: Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.