MP for Rutland and Stamford Alicia Kearns has shared an update about her health ahead of giving birth this week, revealing her diagnosis of rare conditions Placenta Previa and Placenta Accreta.

She said: "I've been quite open with you all that my pregnancy journey has been a difficult one, and you've been wonderfully supportive for which I'm very grateful. Ahead of giving birth I wanted to continue to be as open as it's going to be a little more challenging than my last.

"A few months ago, not long after I was hospitalised due to significant bleeding, I was diagnosed with Placenta Previa, and a second more rare condition, Placenta Accreta. Placenta Previa is where the placenta is low-lying, covering the entirety of the cervix, making a natural birth impossible with a high risk of pre-term bleeding and birth. Placenta Accreta is where the placenta then attaches too deeply to, and invades, the wall of the uterus and potentially bladder.

Kearns announced her pregnancy to the public in December (Photo: Alicia Kearns)

"This condition requires early delivery of the baby by c-section, a hysterectomy as soon as the baby is delivered to manage the significant bleeding because the placenta cannot be separated from the uterus, and blood transfusions are expected. As this condition can be life-threatening, and the surgery significant, I have been in the hospital for the last week or so, and I've been warned to expect that baby and my recovery times in hospital will not be insignificant.

"What this means is that I will be laid up longer than usual after my daughter's birth. As you would expect, I am determined to make sure anyone in need, and our communities, continue to be supported. My team and I have a very detailed plan for work over the coming months so our campaigns continue, and my wonderful and experienced team will as ever continue to assist residents in need of help, so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you are struggling with a personal issue and need our assistance whether it be on issues like pensions, justice, welfare, immigration, child maintenance or HMRC. Please contact us on [email protected]

"I will also have a proxy vote in Parliament so that I can continue to vote while I am on leave, and will be in regular discussions with my whip once back on my feet as to how I wish to vote. Thank you for your understanding and all your lovely well wishes."

The Oakham Nub News Team wishes her good health and a speedy recovery and will share updates as they are published.

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