How Jessica Cronshaw and Her Baby Elsie Lost Their Lives to Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Jessica Cronshaw, a 26-year-old primary school teacher from Accrington, Lancashire, had a bright future ahead of her. She was expecting her first child, a girl named Elsie, with her partner Eddie Leck. She was passionate about her job at St Nicholas Primary School, where she was loved by her colleagues and students. She was thrilled when she found out she was pregnant in May 2022, and looked forward to becoming a mother.

However, her pregnancy was not a smooth one. She suffered from a severe form of morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), which caused her to vomit constantly, lose weight, and feel exhausted. HG is a rare condition that affects between one to three pregnant women in every 100. It can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby, such as dehydration, malnutrition, and low birth weight. It can also affect the mental health of the mother, leading to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Jessica tried to cope with her condition, but she felt isolated and hopeless. She had to stop working and stay in bed most of the time. She could not enjoy her pregnancy or prepare for her baby. She felt like she was letting down her partner, her family, and her school. She was desperate for relief, but she did not receive adequate medical care or support.

In September 2022, she was prescribed a medication called Xonvea, which helped her to eat a little more and feel slightly better. However, on September 30, she received a phone call from a midwife, who wrongly told her that she needed to reduce her dose of Xonvea, because there was a risk of side effects to her unborn baby. This was a mistake, as Xonvea is considered safe and effective for treating HG. The midwife later admitted that she had confused Xonvea with another drug.

This phone call was a turning point for Jessica, who felt that her only hope was taken away from her. Her condition worsened, and she became more depressed and suicidal. She felt that she had no choice but to end her suffering and protect her baby from harm. On November 14, 2022, she hanged herself at her home.

Her mother, Susan Cronshaw, found her and called for help. Jessica was taken to the hospital, where her baby Elsie was delivered by emergency caesarean section. However, Elsie had suffered brain damage due to lack of oxygen, and died four days later, with her mother by her side. The next day, Jessica’s life support was withdrawn, and she passed away, leaving behind her devastated partner, family, and friends.

A Coroner’s Verdict

On January 31, 2024, an inquest into the deaths of Jessica and Elsie was held at Preston Coroner’s Court. The inquest heard evidence from Jessica Cronshaw’s family, her GP, her midwife, and other medical experts. The inquest revealed that Jessica’s medical care was inadequate and contributed to her mental health deterioration. The inquest also highlighted the lack of awareness and understanding of HG among health professionals and the general public.

The assistant coroner, Kate Bisset, ruled that Jessica’s death was a suicide, and that Elsie’s death was a consequence of her mother’s suicide. She said that Jessica’s HG was a “significant factor” in her decision to take her own life, and that the phone call from the midwife was a “pivotal moment” that triggered her downward spiral. She said that Jessica did not receive “comprehensive care” for her HG, and that her mental health needs were not properly assessed or addressed. She said that Jessica’s case should serve as a reminder to health professionals about the importance of treating HG holistically, and addressing its physical and mental impacts. She also expressed her condolences to Jessica’s family, and praised them for their courage and dignity.

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A Call for Action

Jessica Cronshaw’s tragic story has sparked a national outcry for better care and support for women with HG. Pregnancy Sickness Support, the UK’s leading charity for those affected by nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and HG, has urged health authorities to take action and prevent further deaths. The charity has called for the following measures:

• The implementation of effective care pathways for HG, based on the latest evidence and guidelines.
• The provision of timely and integrated care for women with HG, addressing both their physical and mental health needs.
• The education and training of health professionals on HG, its causes, symptoms, treatments, and complications.
• The awareness and recognition of HG as a serious condition that can have devastating consequences for the mother and the baby.
• The support and empowerment of women with HG, and their families, through information, advocacy, and peer support.

Charlotte Howden, the CEO of Pregnancy Sickness Support, said: “The coroner’s detailed investigation reveals significant care gaps for women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). This is a major advancement in acknowledging their comprehensive care needs. It is imperative that healthcare providers across the UK enact necessary changes to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.”

Dr Caitlin Dean, a spokesperson and trustee of Pregnancy Sickness Support, who advocated for Jessica’s family at the inquest, said: “The inquest’s acknowledgement of the link between inadequate HG treatment and severe mental health issues is 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.”

A Tribute to Jessica Cronshaw and Her Child Elsie

Jessica Cronshaw was a loving, caring, and talented woman, who touched the lives of many people. She was a devoted partner, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a dedicated teacher, who inspired and nurtured her students. She was a proud mother, who wanted the best for her baby. She was a fighter, who endured a lot of pain and hardship. She was a victim, who deserved better care and support. She was a human being, who had a right to live and be happy.

Elsie Cronshaw was a beautiful, precious, and innocent baby, who never had a chance to experience life. She was a miracle, who survived a traumatic birth. She was a fighter, who clung to life for four days. She was a victim, who suffered the consequences of her mother’s illness. She was a human being, who had a right to live and be loved.

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Jessica and Elsie will always be remembered and missed by their family, friends, and community. They will always be in our hearts and minds. They will always be a part of us.

We hope that their story will raise awareness and compassion for women with HG, and that their deaths will not be in vain. We hope that their story will inspire action and change for better care and support for women with HG, and that their deaths will be the last of their kind. We hope that their story will save lives and prevent suffering for women with HG, and that their deaths will make a difference.

We hope that their story will be heard and shared by everyone.

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