Lauren Draper, a 22-year-old mother from Cardiff, Wales, experienced a difficult pregnancy with her fourth child due to polyhydramnios, a condition where there is an excess amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus. She was initially diagnosed with this condition at 24 weeks of pregnancy and was monitored closely by her doctors. This condition caused her belly to grow significantly larger than usual, leading strangers to joke that she was carrying multiples or even a “penthouse.” Lauren struggled to walk and roll over in bed due to the size of her bump.
At 31 weeks pregnant, Lauren was admitted to the hospital due to a risk of cord prolapse. This early admission was necessary to ensure the safety of both her and her baby. Despite the challenges she faced, Lauren stayed strong throughout the pregnancy, eventually giving birth to her daughter, Olyve, on January 6, 2025. Olyve was born premature at 3:29 a.m., weighing 6lbs 1oz. Lauren’s pregnancy journey was a difficult one, but she remained optimistic throughout, despite the various complications she faced.
Due to the excess amniotic fluid and the baby’s inability to swallow it, Lauren was at risk of various complications, including a placenta abruption. When she started gushing blood, doctors realized the seriousness of the situation and rushed her for an emergency C-section. Lauren lost five liters of blood during the procedure but was able to see her daughter seven hours later. Olyve was born not breathing and had to be placed in an incubator due to respiratory failure. Although the baby is still in the hospital, Lauren remains hopeful that her daughter will pull through and fully recover.
Throughout her pregnancy, Lauren was closely monitored due to her high-risk status, especially after experiencing a miscarriage in 2022. This made the entire pregnancy journey an emotional and challenging experience for her. Despite the difficulties she faced, Lauren was grateful for the support she received from her medical team and her loved ones. She described the moment of seeing her baby in an incubator as “horrific” but remained strong in her belief that her daughter would recover and thrive.
The physical toll of the pregnancy was also difficult for Lauren, as the excess amniotic fluid caused her discomfort and even bruising. The size of her baby bump drew attention from strangers who often made comments about its size and questioned if it was real. Despite these challenges, Lauren remained positive and focused on the health and well-being of her daughter. She expressed gratitude for the care she received during her hospital stay and the efforts made by the medical team to ensure a safe delivery for both her and her baby.
Lauren’s pregnancy journey was filled with unexpected challenges and complications, but she faced them with strength and determination. The premature birth of her daughter and the subsequent health issues were difficult to navigate, but Lauren remained hopeful and optimistic about Olyve’s recovery. Through it all, she was surrounded by love and support from her family and medical team. Lauren’s story is a testament to the resilience of mothers facing high-risk pregnancies and the strength they demonstrate in the face of adversity.
