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Former ‘Bachelor Australia’ Star Emily Simms Shares Update On Newborn Daughter

After Laila Belle was delivered seven-weeks early

The Bachelor Australia star Emily Ghougassian (nee Simms), who fans met on Sam Wood’s season of the reality TV show, has shared her frightening birth experience after the birth of her baby girl. 

On Thursday, Emily and husband real estate husband Pierre welcomed baby Laila Belle, confirming the arrival on Instagram. Laila Belle’s arrival comes a few weeks before her due date, previously telling fans: “[our baby is] due to arrive on our first wedding anniversary this August. 

“‘Our tiny little Laila Belle turned one week old yesterday,” Simms shared via Instagram Stories. “After a rocky start to life, she’s now doing so well. She’s a tough one!” 

She added, “She’s the most peaceful, calm little thing…Pierre and I still haven’t seen her cry yet. Please always remain this chilled out and content Laila.” 

Emily revealed that while her newborn was moved out of the intensive care unit she is suffering from severe pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome and is being treated in the critical care unit.

“Laila Belle Ghougassian, born 03.07.19, at 2:24pm, weighing 2.022kg. (Pronounced Lay-La),” read the photo’s caption.

It continued: “Baby is doing well and has been moved out of ICU and into the special care nursery as of today. Mum is not doing so great, with severe pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome, and is in the critical care unit. Thanks for everyone’s messages of love and support. Laila is simply gorgeous and we are so smitten!” 

Preeclampsia is a condition that pregnant women develop in their third trimester, though it can happen earlier. It’s marked by high blood pressure in women who haven’t had high blood pressure before. Preeclamptic women will have a high level of protein in their urine and often also have swelling in the feet, legs, and hands. 

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Earlier this week, she explained that she was hospitalised in the week leading up to the birth and that doctors told her she was “at risk of seizures”. 

“After being in hospital now with diagnosed preeclampsia since Friday last week, feeling like death, not being able to make it to my baby shower last Sunday, and just trying to keep her in for a bit longer, it’s been emotionally and physically really difficult (to say the least),” the 34-year-old wrote.

“But thank God I have this guy. I’ve fallen in love with my husband so much more over the last week. He’s been by my side almost every minute.”

Emily also revealed that the hospitalisation occurred the same week her baby shower was scheduled and that her husband attended in her absence.

She added: “He went in my place, and hung out with a bunch of lovely ladies for the afternoon. You’re amazing @pierreghougassian, there is no way I could get through this without you.

“You’re going to make the most amazing daddy to our baby girl.”

And after failing to find romance on the 2015 season of The Bachelor, Emily tied the knot with her beau Pierre Ghougassian in August 2018. 

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