Mother at risk of death from rare illness if she becomes pregnant again, according to warning.

Rebecca's journey as a mother has been anything but typical. With a 17-year age gap between her two children, she never expected to face a rare disease that would change her life forever. At 35 years old, she was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart during the last trimester of pregnancy or shortly after giving birth.

Unfortunately, this condition went undetected during Rebecca's first pregnancy with her son Nathan in 2007. Doctors believed her symptoms were due to anxiety, but little did they know, it was something much more serious. After Nathan's birth, Rebecca made a full recovery, despite being told to prepare for the worst. However, during her second pregnancy, the disease returned, and she was prescribed nine different medications that she will have to take for the rest of her life.

Rebecca, a clinical support worker from Lancaster, is now sharing her story to raise awareness about this often-missed illness. She knows firsthand the importance of catching it early, as it can be life-threatening. During her first pregnancy, Rebecca experienced classic symptoms of heart failure, such as swollen feet, exhaustion, and difficulty breathing. However, these were mistaken for normal pregnancy symptoms.

After giving birth to Nathan, Rebecca's condition deteriorated quickly, and she was rushed to intensive care. It was a scary and confusing time for her, as she recalls being hooked up to machines and not knowing what was happening. She was eventually diagnosed with anxiety and sent home with medication, but her symptoms persisted. Two weeks later, while on a walk with Nathan, she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. She had two clots in her lungs and one on her heart, putting her at risk of a stroke. It was a terrifying moment, but miraculously, the clot dissolved on its own without medication.

Rebecca was eventually diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, and her heart function returned to normal with the help of medication. However, she was advised not to have any more children. Despite this, Rebecca got pregnant again in 2024, thinking that her heart was fine now. However, during her second pregnancy, her heart function began to drop, and she was put back on medication. She gave birth to her second child, Rowan, at Manchester St. Mary's Hospital, weighing only 5lbs 12oz.

After Rowan's birth, Rebecca began taking nine medications a day and had to come to terms with the fact that she would never have another baby. She even started planning for her death, but luckily, she is still here, thanks to her treatment. Her experience has given her a unique perspective, and she now runs workshops for junior doctors to educate them on the hidden symptoms of peripartum cardiomyopathy. These symptoms include swollen ankles and legs, shortness of breath, interrupted sleep, constant tiredness, and more.

Rebecca's journey has been challenging, but she remains positive and grateful to be alive. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help other women recognize the signs and get the help they need before it's too late.

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