Lauren Draper, a 22-year-old mother from Cardiff, experienced an extraordinary fourth pregnancy when her baby bump grew exceptionally large due to a condition called polyhydramnios, which causes an excess of amniotic fluid. Strangers couldn’t help but comment on her enormous belly, with some jokingly suggesting she was expecting multiples or even a “penthouse.” Having had a mild form of polyhydramnios in her first pregnancy, Lauren noticed the rapid growth of her bump starting at 29 weeks, making daily tasks increasingly difficult.
The condition occurred because her unborn baby wasn’t swallowing the fluid as expected, causing her uterus to expand rapidly. By 34 weeks, her belly was so massive that some questioned whether it was real, with some even speculating it was fake or enhanced. The size of her bump caused physical discomfort, including bruised ribs and limited movement. Concerned about complications like cord prolapse, Lauren was admitted to the hospital at 31 weeks, where she stayed for three weeks before labor began.
When her waters broke at 34 weeks and 4 days, the sudden shrinkage of her belly was striking. However, this relief was short-lived as Lauren began to hemorrhage due to a placental abruption, leading to an emergency C-section. Lauren lost a significant amount of blood and had to wait seven agonizing hours to finally meet her baby girl, Olyve. Tragically, Olyve was born not breathing and had to be resuscitated before being placed in an incubator for respiratory support.
Despite the scary complications during delivery, baby Olyve, weighing a healthy 6lbs 1oz, is fighting her respiratory issues in the hospital. Lauren remains hopeful for her daughter’s recovery, showing remarkable strength throughout the ordeal. This experience sheds light on the unpredictability of pregnancy and the challenges that can arise, even in subsequent pregnancies.
Lauren’s journey through extreme polyhydramnios highlights the physical and emotional toll it takes on mothers. The public’s reactions to her extraordinary bump — ranging from disbelief to humor — underscore how rare such cases are. At its heart, the story is a testament to Lauren’s resilience and the unwavering love of a mother fighting for her daughter’s health.
