Former Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson has revealed the terrifying details of the recent birth of her first child.
Gemma and her partner, Strictly pro Gorka Marquez, welcomed baby Mia into the world earlier this month, but the birthing experience proved to be horrendously stressful for everyone involved.
She took to Instagram to explain why.
Related: Gemma Atkinson reveals she has had her fourth kidney infection during her pregnancy
Uploading a photo of herself in hospital with her newborn, Gemma wrote: "This picture was taken when Mia was 30hrs old. The weary smile on my face doesn't quite portray how happy I was inside as 30hrs earlier, things could have gone very differently.
"Mia was a tiny baby, 4lb 10. With that in mind the midwife was concerned she wouldn't be strong enough to open my cervix. My water broke on a tues & we gave her the benefit of the doubt but by the Wednesday evening despite her being in the perfect place & so low down, she still hadn't managed it. The decision was made to induce me to help her along but she disliked that even more.
"With every contraction her heart rate dropped. On the 3rd one midwife Katie who was taking care of me at the time pressed the panic alarm & within 15 mins I was rushed out, prepped & delivered Mia via an emergency C section," she continued.
Gemma also opened up about a post-birth haemorrhage she suffered later down the line where she "lost a lot of blood", but luckily herself and Mia are both healthy and fully recovered now.
She said: "The odds were against her from the start, but she's been a little fighter from day 1. feeds perfectly & is gaining weight like I do on an all inclusive holiday! We're SO proud of her, she's our little soldier & I'm so Grateful."
The couple's friends soon responded to Gemma's story, with musician Craig David writing: "You're both fighters & i'm so happy for You & Gorks that you have beautiful Mia now to bring an even deeper Love between you! Sending you all my Love xxx."
Soap star Adam Thomas also replied with "Wow !!!! So happy your both safe babe xxx."
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