A pregnant mum woke up in blood-soaked bed sheets before giving birth to her baby boy nine weeks early. Lynsey Mccourt was at her home in Dalry, North Ayrshire, in June last year, when she was woken at 5am by a "popping" sensation.
The 34-year-old, who was 31 weeks pregnant, realised she was haemorrhaging and called her husband Kenny, 36, before calling 999. An ambulance was dispatched and she was rushed to University Hospital Crosshouse, where she gave birth to premature baby Leo.
During the delivery, Lynsey lost two litres of blood and required a blood transfusion. Doctors also found Leo had problems with his lungs and chest, for which he underwent treatment.
Lynsey said she is "forever grateful" to 999 call handler Paige Sawers who kept her calm and the ambulance crew Kieran Donnelly and Scott Wright. The mum-of-four said: “I woke up at 5am with a popping feeling; I looked down and my bed was covered in blood.
“I phoned my husband then the ambulance. The call handler on the phone kept me talking and kept me calm. I have other kids, who I had woken up in panic, and I was able to stay calm for them as the call handler spoke to me through it all until the paramedics arrived.
“The paramedics got me straight in the ambulance and to the hospital really quickly and the maternity staff were waiting for me outside when we arrived at the hospital.
"Because everyone did their job so fantastically, I got to the hospital very quickly and doctors were able to deliver my baby safely."
Lynsey, a senior care assistant and baby Leo both made a full recovery and have settled into life at home following their ordeal.
She added: “My baby boy had a few wee blips with his lungs and chest but again the doctors did an incredible job to resolve these. Leo is now 7 and half months old, is thriving and has no other issues with his health.
“Every person who cared for us before and after I delivered my baby were amazing and compassionate - I am forever grateful for the care we received. I would also love to say a massive thank you to all the staff in maternity Crosshouse NICU for taking care of our son.
“All the nurses and doctors are angels in my book and deserve all the respect. The care they provide there to babies and families that are going through something as scary as this is amazing.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
