As Kate Ferdinand opens up about heartbreaking miscarriage – the 5 signs no mum should ever ignore
KATE Ferdinand has revealed she’s suffered a miscarriage.
The 31-year-old took to Instagram last night to update her 1.4 million followers.
Former TOWIE star Kate, said she was 12 weeks pregnant and had been to the hospital for a routine scan.
Kate had previously welcomed baby son Cree with husband Rio, 43, in 2020, and the couple were ready to welcome a new baby to their family.
But Kate said ‘unfortunately sometimes life just doesn’t go as we plan’.
The post read: “The last time I was in this hospital I was having Cree, but this time it was because our baby had no heartbeat in our 12 week scan and I had to have surgery.
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“We were so excited & planning a space for our new baby in our family, we just couldn’t wait to share our news with you all, but unfortunately sometimes life just doesn’t go as we plan.
“So much to say, but somehow I can’t find the words.
“Absolutely devastated & heartbroken …but couldn’t be more grateful for the hugs I got from my big(er) babies coming through the door when we arrived home.”
Sadly, miscarriages are common, and among those who know they are expecting, it’s estimated one in eight pregnancies will end in tragedy.
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A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy during the first three months, with a “late miscarriage” defined by the charity Tommy’s as between 14 and 24 weeks.
The NHS says that many more miscarriages will happen before a person is even aware they’re pregnant.
In most cases, they cannot be prevented, but there are some signs you can look out for.
The NHS says the most clear sign a woman is having a miscarriage is bleeding, varying from light spotting to heavy blood clots.
But bear in mind, some bleeding during the first three months of pregnancy is normal and does not necessarily mean a miscarriage – contact the maternity team or GP as soon as possible.
The other four symptoms of a miscarriage are:
- cramping and pain in your lower tummy
- a discharge of fluid from your vagina
- a discharge of tissue from your vagina
- no longer experiencing the symptoms of pregnancy, such as feeling sick and breast tenderness
There are many reasons why a miscarriage can occur, but the majority are not caused by anything a mother has done.
When to seek urgent medical attention
Miscarriages can be distressing and if you're pregnant you should always contact a midwife or doctor if you feel unsure of your symptoms.
Miscarriages can sometimes be caused by an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the pregnancy develops outside the womb.
An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition and could lead to internal bleeding – so it’s important you seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- persistent severe pain in your tummy on some side
- vaginal bleeding or spotting
- pain in the tip of your shoulder
- feeling faint or fainting
- lightheaded
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
Most of the time a woman won’t find out why she suffered one, which can make the ordeal more distressing.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, usually a miscarriage is the result of a problem with the unborn baby.
The NHS says a common cause is thought to be abnormal chromosomes in the fetus.
If a baby has not enough or too many chromosomes, a chance event, it will be unable to grow or develop properly.
In about two to five per cent of miscarriages, genetics are to blame if a partner has an abnormality in one of their chromosomes they are not aware of.
There could be a problem with the development of the placenta, starving the baby of blood and nutrients.
In the second trimester, a weak cervix, an infection or STI, the shape of the mother’s womb and PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) and even food poisoning are all causes of miscarriage.
Help and support
There are range of ways you can get help and support if you suffer a miscarriage and your GP is always a great place to start.
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There are charities and networks you can reach out to, which specialise in the issue.
In a medical emergency, always call 999.