A health minster has promised to take action to improve the NHS care of women with a rare pregnancy sickness, which cost the life of an Accrington primary teacher and her infant child.

Maria Caulfield made the pledge in a special Westminster debate in memory of 26-year-old Jessica Cronshaw who died from hyperemesis gravidarum, or HG, in December last year.

Her five-day-old daughter Elsie also died.

The debate was called by Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe and attended by members of her family.

She told Miss Caulfield: "I became familiar with the condition because of tragedy.

"One of my constituents, Jessica Cronshaw, was 28 weeks pregnant with her baby Elsie when she passed away after suffering with HG and left unable to eat, drink or complete daily tasks. It is a truly horrific story,

"I quote the words of Jess’s family about her life: 'Our Jessica was a strong and determined 26-year-old woman, whose bright blue eyes lit up any room. Jess found true love in her partner Eddie and both were overjoyed with the news they were expecting their first baby in May 2022.

"'Unfortunately, Jess quickly learnt that her pregnancy was going to be far from smooth. Jess went from her outgoing self, exercising every day without fail, to being completely bedbound from six weeks pregnant. Jess could not stop vomiting and when vomiting eased continued to feel nauseous.

"'Her battle with HG resulted in the most devastating outcome. We are left with a hole in our lives and hearts that can never be filled'."

Miss Britcliffe told Miss Caulfield: "Jess and Elsie’s passing was preventable.

"It is a real-life example of why we need to enact change.

"HG occurs only during pregnancy, and was—and still is—stigmatised.

"Several of Jess’s interactions with medical professionals were over the phone.

"Given the lack of proper mental health support, proper nutritional advice and face-to-face time with medical professionals, the fact there is no compulsory training on HG for midwives surely needs to change.

"This story is sadly typical of many women who suffer from HG.

"Jess and Elsie died because there is still not enough awareness of the condition in the medical community

"I hope that Jess and Elsie’s story will be a starting point for change. We need a more harmonised approach to HG which incorporates training, support for women and medication."

Miss Caulfield said: "I absolutely agree more needs to be done to address this issue.

"I am happy to support Jess’s legacy, so we change the experience for pregnant women who suffer with hyperemesis gravidarum and never again hear such a tragic story."

Miss Britcliffe said after the debate: “It is clear we need much more support for women with HG, and much better training for midwives and GPs when they are treating a woman with HG."