British Paralympic swimmer Jessica-Jane Applegate and her partner, Declan Jermy, welcomed their daughter Alara after a challenging pregnancy that resulted in an extremely premature birth at 23 weeks and two days.
Applegate experienced several complications during pregnancy, including bleeding and cervical insufficiency, which caused her cervix to begin opening too early. Doctors transferred her to a hospital with a specialized neonatal intensive care unit, where they worked to delay delivery and give Alara the best chance of survival.
Born weighing just over one pound, Alara required intensive medical care, including life support, surgery, and blood transfusions. She continues to receive specialized treatment and has reached new milestones as she grows stronger.
Applegate has shared her daughter’s journey to highlight the care and dedication of medical professionals who support premature babies and their families.
Read more here.