When Liv Barnard lost her precious daughter, Alba, doctors were unaware she suffered from a rare but severe condition that can develop during pregnancy. At 24 weeks pregnant, the experience was devastating for Liv and her husband David, but she has vowed to do "something good" in her daughter's name and to help other parents across the UK.
Liv suffers from a condition that causes her body to attack the placenta and the nutrient and blood supply to her unborn babies. Known as Chronic Hystiocytic Intervillositis, it is so rare experts estimate it affects only six in every 10,000 pregnancies that reach 12 weeks. If not treated, it becomes more severe.
Miraculously, Liv had given birth to son Reyn the year before losing Alba, meaning the condition had not been picked up. But when she got pregnant for a third time, the mum knew something was not right, especially when her scan was not showing the right dates. You can get more health news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
