A 35-year-old woman who suffered 13 tragic miscarriages had all but given up hope on her chances of having a baby with her husband, has celebrated their own personal ‘miracle’.
Following pioneering fertility treatment, Laura Worsley and husband Dave have welcomed a healthy daughter into the world.
The couple had previously suffered 11 miscarriages while also tragically losing boys Graceson and Leo at just 17 and 20 weeks old.
After many visits with doctors and a multitude of tests, the new mum was diagnosed with two conditions which were seriously affecting her ability to bear children.
Following a course of medication and steroids, Laura and Dave successfully conceived a 14th child.
9-months-old baby Ivy was just 1.7lbs when she was born via cesarean, and since her birth has gone from strength to strength.
Talking with the BBC, Laura shared how she was feeling about the pregnancy troubles, she said:
I don’t know how I coped, to be honest. It was all I lived for – I lost years of my life. I just thought, if I can’t have a baby I don’t see a point in my life… I look at her and think ‘miracles do happen’.
I’d read about other people’s miracles, and now I’ve got mine. Through my story I want to give others the hope and strength to carry on even when things seem impossible.
The couple’s miscarriage troubles started in 2008 – and despite doctors suggestions to keep trying, a fourth pregnancy ended in heartbreak.
Doctors referred Laura for a barrage of tests when they discovered she suffers from antiphospholipid syndrome – a condition which has an increased risk of causing miscarriages.
This news was followed with further upset as Laura also had a secondary diagnosis of Histiocytic Intervillositis – which forces the body to fight against pregnancy.
Using steroids to suppress Laura’s immune system – and a course of medication to strengthen the lining of her womb, Laura and Dave successfully conceived for the 14th time.
The extensive treatment meant the pregnancy was able to surpass 24 weeks, which gave baby Ivy a much higher chance of survival.
When Laura reached 30 weeks, her waters broke. After a successful c-section, Laura and Dave weren’t able to hold baby Ivy for three days, as they were concerned she could develop sepsis.
Although Ivy had to battle with bronchiolitis, the newborn wasn’t letting anything prevent her from meeting her mum and dad, and after successfully fighting it off she was allowed home for the first time 11 weeks later.
After Ivy received the all clear and was allowed home, parents Laura and Dave held a baby shower with friends and family – raising £1,120 – which the couple have since donated to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity.
Congratulations to the whole family.
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