Frankie: I have the same pregnancy ailment as Kate

SHE’S expecting her second child this summer but unlike many celebrities who seem determined to make pregnancy look like a breeze, Frankie Bridge, pictured, has spoken candidly about both the highs and the lows. The Saturdays star, who is married to footballer Wayne Bridge, suffered hyperemesis gravidarum, the condition that blighted Kate Middleton, in the early stages of her pregnancy, which she admits ‘wasn’t easy’. Indeed, Frankie, 26, almost ended up in hospital because of the illness and was forced to pull out of the Strictly Come Dancing tour when she was suffering at six weeks. Speaking to The Mirror about her ordeal, Frankie said: ‘At one point I just lay on the floor because even moving my eyes made me feel ill. ‘Women should be honest about the fact that although having a baby is wonderful, it can be hard. It’s a massive body change and life change and comes with a whole wave of emotions.’ Frankie, who has been in the public eye since finding fame with S Club Juniors at the age of 12, also admitted that she won’t be rushing into trying to shift her post-baby weight, saying she won’t just ‘snap back into shape by magic’ and that’s a reality for women. Frankie announced in January that she is expecting her second child with Bridge. At the time, Frankie posted to Twitter: ‘So excited to tell you that Wayne & I are expecting another baby later this year. We cant wait for Parker to have a little brother or sister. Sadly I’m really unwell with my pregnancy and won’t be able to take part in the Strictly tour. I’m SO sorry. I was so looking forward to it.’ Hyperemesis gravidarum affects about 15 per cent of all pregnancies. The condition is thought to be caused by elevated levels of pregnancy hormone HCG or human chrionic gonadotropin, and it causes severe vomiting and can lead to dehydration, weight loss and a build-up of toxins. Treatment typically includes an injection of a drug to protect against blood clots.