Cardiff Mum’s Baby Bump Causes Stir as People Mistake it for Quadruplets
A Cardiff mother, Lauren Draper, 22, experienced a pregnancy like no other when her baby bump grew so large that strangers mistook her for carrying quadruplets. Lauren, who fell pregnant with her fourth child in June the previous year, went for a scan at 24 weeks due to reduced movements of her unborn baby. At the scan, she was informed that she had an excess amount of amniotic fluid in her uterus, leading to a diagnosis of polyhydramnios – a condition characterised by having too much fluid during pregnancy. This condition required careful monitoring throughout her pregnancy.
It was at 29 weeks that Lauren began to realise the sheer size of her bump, attributed to the fluid build-up, which made simple tasks like walking and rolling over in bed a challenge. By 31 weeks, she was admitted to the hospital due to a risk of cord prolapse. As her pregnancy progressed, her belly continued to swell, with observers jokingly asking if she was carrying a “penthouse” instead of a baby or wondering if she was expecting multiple babies. Finally, on January 6, 2025, at 3.29 am, Lauren welcomed her daughter Olyve, weighing 6lbs 1oz.
Speaking about people’s reactions to her bump, Lauren recounted instances where strangers were taken aback by the size, with some even questioning if it was real and attempting to touch it to confirm. She shared how it became a common occurrence for people to comment on her bump before noticing her. The situation was so extreme that when her waters broke, causing a significant reduction in her bump, it led to astonished remarks about the sudden change. Lauren compared her deflated bump to a “pancake,” highlighting the drastic transformation post-delivery.
Lauren’s pregnancy journey was already considered high-risk due to a previous miscarriage in 2022. The polyhydramnios she experienced with her first child at 38 weeks was detected much earlier this time around, at 24 weeks. Further complications arose when it was discovered at 29 weeks that baby Olyve was not swallowing the amniotic fluid, leading to the excessive build-up in Lauren’s uterus. Anticipating potential challenges, Lauren received steroid shots to aid in Olyve’s lung maturation before being admitted to the hospital in December 2024.
The fluid accumulation not only affected Lauren’s mobility, causing bruising on her ribs, but also escalated into a critical situation during labour at 34 weeks and four days. A placental abruption led to an emergency C-section, during which Lauren lost five litres of blood. Facing the uncertainty of her daughter’s health as she was initially unresponsive, Lauren’s emotional ordeal further intensified as she witnessed her baby girl struggling with respiratory failure in the incubator. Despite these challenges, Lauren remains hopeful that Olyve will overcome her health issues.
As Lauren and baby Olyve continue their battle in the hospital, facing respiratory complications, the strength and resilience displayed by this Cardiff mum serve as a testament to the challenges faced during pregnancy and childbirth. Lauren’s experience sheds light on the unpredictable nature of pregnancy and the unwavering determination required to navigate unforeseen obstacles in the journey to motherhood. Through her story, she shares a message of courage and optimism, inspiring others to stay resilient in the face of adversity.
In a world where pregnancy journeys differ vastly, Lauren’s remarkable experience serves as a reminder of the profound impact maternal health challenges can have on individuals and families. Her story highlights the importance of vigilance and medical intervention in managing high-risk pregnancies, showcasing the strength and fortitude exhibited by mothers like Lauren in confronting daunting circumstances with unwavering hope.