Gemma Atkinson has revealed both she and her daughter almost died when she went into labour earlier this month.
The 34-year-old posted a photo of herself and baby daughter Mia on Instagram alongside a lengthy explanation about how doctors first feared for her child and later for her during an ordeal-filled childbirth.
Gemma – who became a first time mum on 4 July – says loving partner Gorka Marquez, 28, was at her side through both scares as Mia made a dramatic entry to the world.
In the candid post, Gemma explained that health professionals were forced to take action when Mia’s heart rate began to drop while still in the womb – and later took action after Gemma started haemorrhaging huge amounts of blood.
(Image: Chilli Media)
“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,” Gemma wrote.
“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.
“It wasn’t what I’d planned but thanks to my hypnobirthing despite the madness & panic, I was able to calmly keep my breathing technique & accept whatever is best for Mia just do it!”
Although Gemma had her baby in her arms, the drama was far from over.
She continued: “2hrs later I was alone with Gorks & Mia blissfully happy in a ward when I suddenly felt extremely unwell. Gorka got a doctor and she took 1 look at me & again pressed the panic button. I was having a hemorrhage. A big one & I lost a lot of blood.
“I don’t remember much other than having around 9 doctors in the room, some injecting me, hooking me to drips, physically pulling clots out of me & one comforting Gorks who was beside himself in the corner.
“I woke in another room with Gorks & my family there, Mia sleeping soundly & a lovely midwife named Di who was checking my notes. The trauma was over & thanks to our NHS & incredible hospital staff we were ok.
“I’m fully aware for some people it’s a different outcome & I feel incredibly lucky that me & Mia are healthy & healed. My mum moved in with me while Gorks was away & has been incredible! If I can be half the mum she is to me I’ll be happy!” she said.
It sounds like Gemma plans to retell the story for years to come.
“I’m going to remind Mia of this story any time she has doubts about what she can achieve in life,” 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,” she added.
