Former Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson has made a devastating admission about her future, stating she does not believe she will be able to carry another child. The 35-year-old influencer and campaigner endured life-threatening complications during and after the birth of her son, Leo, in 2021, which have led to permanent health consequences.
A Life-Altering Birth Experience
Louise's journey into motherhood was marked by extreme trauma. During an emergency C-section, she lost a staggering three-and-a-half litres of blood. The horror did not end there. After returning home, she suffered a second, even more severe haemorrhage, losing approximately five litres of blood and forcing her rushed return to hospital.
These events triggered severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and led to the development of a gynaecological condition called Asherman's Syndrome. This condition involves the build-up of scar tissue in the uterus, which can cause pelvic pain, irregular periods, and infertility.
Becoming a Voice for Change
As a result of her ordeal, Louise has become a powerful advocate for improving maternity care in the UK. She has teamed up with former Conservative MP Theo Clarke, who established the Birth Trauma All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Louise explained her personal situation, stating, "Speaking on my own personal experience, I won’t be able to carry another child." She also highlighted that her story resonates with thousands of other women who have shared similar experiences with her.
Louise has presented evidence to a parliamentary inquiry, calling for specific changes within the health system. Her key recommendations include:
- Offering patients the option to be put under general anaesthetic for long operations to prevent psychological trauma.
- Making antenatal education a greater priority.
- Addressing NHS staffing levels, particularly on weekends, to ensure adequate skills are available.
Finding Positivity Amidst the Pain
Despite the profound challenges, Louise, who is engaged to her partner Ryan Libbey, is trying to focus on the positive aspects that have emerged from her trauma. She is now a devoted mother to her son Leo and uses her platform to raise awareness, including openly discussing her life with a stoma bag.
She reflected on her experience, sharing, "I suppose it completely put my life on freeze, but then gave me an opportunity to rebuild it back in a slightly different way. And that's one of the benefits of going through something really challenging is that it does make you see the world in a different way." Her story continues to inspire and bring crucial attention to the issue of birth trauma.
