My pregnancy had been completely low risk until I suddenly experienced severe bleeding at 27 weeks. I was admitted to hospital and all hell broke loose. There were consultants, nurses, scans and examinations. It was all such a shock.

I’d developed HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening complication. The doctors said that I had to deliver my baby as soon as possible. I was in complete denial as I still had 3 months until my due date.

Our baby girl, Freya, was born weighing just 2lb 4oz. She was so small and fragile. She was the size of my hand, a little dot. But she was gorgeous. Freya’s first weeks were a rollercoaster. There were some terrifying set backs but she fought back and 9 weeks later she finally came home.

We have been really, really lucky. Many of the women I met in hospital had gone into labour too soon and nobody could say why. We know so little about it and, as mums, we have a huge sense of guilt. It's so important to raise awareness of prematurity as it happens to so many people.

Steph gclark@action.org.uk Yes Yes