A Journey from Coma to Motherhood

In a gripping tale of resilience and love, a 29-year-old woman named Atlanta McIntyre from Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, woke from an induced coma to discover that her baby daughter had been born. After facing harrowing circumstances during her pregnancy, Atlanta's story sheds light on the rare but severe condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

Hyperemesis Gravidarum: The Battle Begins

Atlanta's journey began with severe pregnancy sickness that turned her life upside down. Hyperemesis gravidarum, a debilitating condition that affects 1 to 3 in every 100 pregnant women, left her battling relentless nausea and vomiting from the moment she learned of her pregnancy. "I couldn’t keep anything down. It was a nightmare," she recounted.

Crisis and Coma

After weeks of feeling increasingly unwell, her condition escalated. During a particularly dangerous episode, she choked on her own vomit, leading doctors to place her into an induced coma on February 19. "They told my partner, 'We need to act fast. It's time to get the baby out now, or she won’t make it'," Atlanta recalled with disbelief.

The Birth of Poppy

Just hours after the coma was initiated, her daughter, Poppy, was born via emergency caesarean section at just 29 weeks, weighing only 3 pounds (1.4kg). Unfortunately, Poppy was transferred to a different hospital for specialized care, making Atlanta's post-coma experience incredibly nerve-wracking. “Waking up, I felt terrified, not knowing if my baby was okay,” Atlanta admitted. “She was intubated and in a completely different hospital.”

A Mother's Reunion

Atlanta's partner was by her side, splitting his time between the hospital and visiting baby Poppy. It took ten long days before Atlanta finally had the chance to meet her daughter. “It was scary but also incredible to see how much she had progressed in those days,” she said, reflecting on the bittersweet reunion.

Thriving Together

Now, ten months later, Poppy is thriving at home, filling her parents' lives with joy and laughter. Atlanta advocates for awareness about HG, emphasizing the profound impact it can have on pregnant women and their families. "It’s not just morning sickness. It’s a serious condition that can affect lives," Atlanta cautioned.

A Testament to Resilience

This powerful saga illustrates not just the struggles of a mother but highlights the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Atlanta McIntyre's story is a testament to the resilience found in motherhood and the deep bonds formed, even through the most challenging of circumstances.