Doctors told me I'd never be a mum after childhood abuse damaged my body – but I got pregnant with an ‘Ozempic baby'
Even in labour, Stephanie Craig couldn't believe she was pregnant with her longed-for little girl
JAB JOY Doctors told me I'd never be a mum after childhood abuse damaged my body – but I got pregnant with an 'Ozempic baby'
AFTER suffering years of sexual abuse, Stephanie Craig was given the heartbreaking news by doctors that she would never be a mum.
The internal damage that she'd suffered due to the abuse which began when she was just a child, meant that it would be impossible for her to fall pregnant.
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Her daughter Callie is now nine months old
Credit: Supplied
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Stephanie Craig lost 12 stone after weight loss surgery and taking Ozempic
Credit: Supplied
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She fell pregnant just a few weeks after taking the fat jab after being told she'd never be a mum
Credit: Supplied
But after taking the weight loss jab Ozempic - Stephanie, 25, found herself staring at a miracle.
Her pregnancy test stick was positive and she was expecting the baby she had always longed for, despite the doctors' predictions.
She gave birth to her 'Ozempic baby' Callie in September last year, and is now enjoying being a mum.
'Even when I was in labour I didn't actually believe I was pregnant,' says Stephanie, who lives in Glasgow.
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'It was only when Callie was placed onto my chest and I saw her for the first time that I actually believed she was mine.'
Stephanie was in and out of children's homes as a child and suffered abuse from a young age.
As she got older, she was put on the contraception pill by staff to prevent unwanted pregnancies in her teens and it caused her weight to balloon from a size 12 to a size 18 within months.
She says: 'I actually developed an eating disorder at 18, when I was already around 20 stone in weight.
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'I started to binge eat. I was so unhappy that it was a way of getting some control in my life.
'I was told at the age of 18 and at 22 by doctors on both occasions that I wouldn't be able to have children because of the internal damage I'd suffered.
Doc gives advice on how to tackle Mounjaro side effect of excess loose skin
'So I never thought I'd be a mum.'
It was watching TV and seeing that James Argent from Towie had undergone gastric sleeve surgery that spurred Stephanie into action to lose weight.
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She said: 'I rang my friend straight away and told her that I wanted to have gastric surgery like Arg had done.
'As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was going to be the right answer for me.
'I'd tried joining slimming groups from the age of 18, but nothing had ever worked for me. So I got on and booked it straight away.'
Stephanie had the gastric sleeve operation, which she financed with her savings, at The Spire Hospital in Manchester in July 2021, when she weighed just over 22 stone.
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In just over 12 months she had lost a massive ten stone - and had dropped to just over 12 stone.
Then because she had been left with so much loose skin from her weight loss, she underwent a tummy tuck and breast uplift in Turkey in July 2022, a thigh and bra line lift in January 2023 and finally a reverse tummy tuck and thigh lift in August 2023.
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Doctors told Stephanie that the internal damage she'd suffered as a result of childhood abuse would prevent her from becoming a mum
Credit: Supplied
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It is believed that the weight loss medication can improve ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity, leading to increased fertility and potentially unintended pregnancies
Credit: Supplied
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Stephanie says that Callie is her 'little miracle'
Credit: Supplied
She says: 'I felt amazing after I'd lost all the weight, but I had so much loose skin, that I had a number of cosmetic surgeries to remove it.
'My body looks so much better now. I had some savings, and it was worth every penny to finally get the body that I'm happy with. It's given me so much more confidence.'
And there were more surprises to come.
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Stephanie took the weight loss drug Ozempic in November 2023, after the surgery had been completed, to try and lose a few extra pounds, and a few weeks later, she made the most amazing discovery. She had fallen pregnant.
She says: 'I didn't believe it. I did lots of tests and they all came up positive, but I still didn't believe that I was actually pregnant.
CAN OZEMPIC BOOST FERTILITY?
Experts believe the 'Ozempic baby' phenomenon could be down to the major weight loss associated with the drug.
This is because any weight loss, especially in those with PCOS, is known to boost fertility.
The drug may also increase the chance of pregnancy because side effects such as nausea and vomiting may stop contraceptive pills from being absorbed properly.
Dr Nerys Astbury, nutrition scientist and senior researcher in diet and obesity at the University of Oxford, said it was 'plausible' semaglutide injections, by reducing people's weight, could help improve fertility.
'It's nothing special about the drug,' she told the newspaper. 'The effect the drug has is on promoting weight loss.
'It is important to note that whilst some doctors are prescribing semaglutide off-label to women with PCOS, it is not clear whether it's safe to use in women during pregnancy.'
She added: "It should not be used as a method to treat infertility until research demonstrating safety and effectiveness is available and until regulatory approval for use in those before and during pregnancy.'
Prof Barbara McGowan, from King's College London, added: "Women on GLP-1 agonists should take contraception whilst they take the medication and stop at least two months before trying for fertility."
"Healthcare professionals should include this advice when the medication is started.'
'I'd had lots of investigations over the years because of the sexual abuse I'd suffered, and had several laparoscopies, where a camera Is inserted down the fallopian tubes, and it had shown that I'd suffered a lot of internal damage.
'Because of that, the doctors always said that I wouldn't be able to fall pregnant. So to find myself looking at a positive pregnancy test stick was unreal.'
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It is believed that the weight loss medication, which is also used for diabetes management, can improve ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity, leading to increased fertility and potentially unintended pregnancies.
The only time I actually believed it was when she was handed to me for the first time, and I gave her a cuddle
Stephanie Craig
She says: 'I only took it for a couple of weeks, but it certainly must have changed something in my body for me to be able to fall pregnant like this.
'Even as my bump grew, I still didn't believe there was an actual baby, even when I went for scans and saw her moving, and then even in labour.
'The only time I actually believed it was when she was handed to me for the first time, and I gave her a cuddle.'
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Baby Callie, who was born in September last year, is now nine months old and has just started nursery.
Stephanie adds: 'It's a lovely feeling being a mum, and I know that I've got Ozempic to thank for that. I took it to lose a few pounds, but ended up with a surprise baby.
'She's a little miracle.'
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Stephanie credits Ozempic for helping lose weight and get her dream baby
Credit: Supplied
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Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Future of fat jabs WHILE the Mounjaro rollout is expected to kick off with a whimper and not a bang, it is hoped it will mark the beginning of a new era in weight loss medicine. Advertisement Brits have been getting gradually fatter for decades and no medication or government policy has managed to beat the bulge. The drugs appear super-effective, reasonably priced and relatively safe, and could help millions slim down after failed diets. 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4 hours ago
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Are YOU eligible for free fat jabs on the NHS? As GPs start dishing out Mounjaro – all you need to know
THEY are arguably the biggest medical breakthrough of recent times. And from Monday, so-called ' fat jab s' will be made available to many more Brits on the NHS. In what marks the dawn of a new era, GPs will begin prescribing the weight-loss jab Mounjaro in the first anti- obesity rollout of its kind. More than three million people are thought to be eligible for tirzepatide - the active drug in Mounjaro - the strongest jab on the market. Health chiefs hope it will turn the tide on England's obesity crisis which has seen rates double since the 1990s. Injections including Ozempic and Wegovy have previously only been available for type 2 diabetes or through specialist slimming clinics. Family doctors will now be encouraged to prescribe them in a bid to get more people on the meds. Experts hope widespread use will slash work sick days and boost the economy, while reducing rates of cancer, heart disease and dementia. But demand for the drugs is already huge and NHS clinics cannot dish them out fast enough. Here is everything you need to know as the rollout begins: What is Mounjaro and what has it been used for so far? 5 FOR anyone who has missed the frenzy, Mounjaro, aka tirzepatide, is the newest weight loss injection used on the NHS. It has been around since 2022 and triggers fullness hormones in the gut to prevent hunger and over-eating. This works the same as older jabs Wegovy and Ozempic, all known as GLP-1 agonists, but a recent trial showed it is more effective. A head-to-head study in the New England Journal of Medicine found Mounjaro caused 20 per cent weight loss over 18 months, while semaglutide – the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic – led to 14 per cent. All the jabs were originally invented to treat type 2 diabetes but trials found they could also cause major weight loss. Pharma firms have cashed in on the discovery and UK prescriptions have skyrocketed. NHS prescriptions of Mounjaro in England surged from just 3,300 in 2023 to 1.1million last year, and more than a million people are estimated to be buying it online. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons Who will be eligible in the new rollout? THE new rollout starting on Monday will allow GPs to prescribe tirzepatide for weight loss, starting with those patients whose weight places them at greatest health risk. Top of the list will be those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher and four weight-related health conditions. A BMI of 40 is roughly equal to weighing 16st (102kg) for an average height 5'3' woman, or 19st 6lbs (123kg) for an average 5'9' man. Weight-related conditions include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea and heart disease. Patients will likely be expected to have tried diet and exercise first before being offered a jab. Many are likely to miss out, as some 13.5million adults in England are obese but only 3.4million are estimated to be eligible in the rollout. How will the rollout be run and what is new? 5 WHAT'S new is that the rollout will be the first run by NHS primary care, led by GP surgeries. In theory this should make life easier for patients – but GPs will not be able to meet the huge demand. NHS bosses have admitted it will take a staggering 12 years to treat everyone who is eligible. Just 220,000 extra people are likely to get Mounjaro by 2028. Private prescriptions, costing about £100-£150 per month, already vastly outnumber that and are rising. Health Secretary Wes Streeting wants a faster rollout and more widespread use of the drugs but patients must also receive regular check-ups and lifestyle help. Officials are investigating whether they can dish them out through pharmacies or the NHS app to take a load off GPs. Professor Jason Halford, of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, said: 'These drugs have the potential to help millions. 'If the government and NHS are serious about prevention they need to reconsider their position on the speed of the rollout of these drugs.' Professor John Deanfield, a heart doctor at University College London, added: 'These drugs provide a real opportunity to delay many diseases of ageing all at the same time and potentially transform society. 'I hope it won't take 10 years to do something that is so needed.' What if my GP says no? MANY people are expected to miss out and some surgeries are already pouring cold water on patients' hopes. Fairhill Medical Practice in Kingston upon Thames said: 'Once we are able to prescribe weight loss injections they will be offered to those with the highest medical need only, which may mean that a lot of patients will be disappointed.' Millions who meet the prescription criteria will simply have to be denied the drugs because doctors are so busy. On top of everything else England's 6,300 doctors' surgeries have to deal with, they do not have the capacity to offer the necessary long-term supervision for millions more people at once. Experts reckon private prescriptions will rocket even more as frustrated patients give up waiting. If you are eligible but your GP denies you a prescription, you may be able to ask for a referral to specialist weight management services. Known as tier 2 and tier 3 weight management services, they may prescribe the jabs after other weight loss attempts. Many people are expected to find it easier to go private, with the injections widely available from high street pharmacies like Boots, Superdrug, and even Asda. Olivier Picard, of the National Pharmacy Association, said: 'NHS provision won't meet demand straight away, so we fully expect that many people will continue seeking it privately.' Advice for people buying them privately BUYING the drugs online might seem like the faster fix – but buyer beware. Slimming success stories are everywhere but so, too, are tales of horror. Many patients have been duped by dodgy sellers, suffered severe side effects or even died after taking jabs they bought online. Bargain prices, easy tick-box applications, or prescriptions with no follow-up, should all be red flags to online shoppers. Many pharmacies have been rapped for giving them away to people who do not meet the obesity criteria, potentially putting their health at risk. Dose strength is partly based on size and pretending you are fatter than you are could mean you end up with a medication too strong for your body, raising the risk of serious side effects. The most common side effects from the injections include feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea or other gut troubles. If not treated properly people can suffer more serious impacts like dehydration, gallstones, pancreatitis or allergic reactions – and more than 100 deaths in the UK have so far been linked to the jabs. The General Pharmaceutical Council issued new rules in February to say that all pharmacies must verify a patient's height and weight, and conduct at least a video call – if not face-to-face appointment – before prescribing weight loss injections. Dr Emily Pegg, associate vice president at Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, said: 'This is still a prescription-only medicine, should only be prescribed by a registered healthcare professional and needs to be dispensed by a registered pharmacy. 'It is not something that people should be able to buy by just going out and going on to a social media site and clicking a button and it gets delivered to them. 'That is not appropriate and is probably illegal. 'Patient safety is a high priority.' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Future of fat jabs WHILE the Mounjaro rollout is expected to kick off with a whimper and not a bang, it is hoped it will mark the beginning of a new era in weight loss medicine. Brits have been getting gradually fatter for decades and no medication or government policy has managed to beat the bulge. The drugs appear super-effective, reasonably priced and relatively safe, and could help millions slim down after failed diets. They are expected to reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes, cancer and dementia. And studies increasingly show they improve health in other ways on top of weight loss, too, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. NHS medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, believes they could one day be as transformative as cholesterol-lowering statins, which have slashed heart attacks since they were rolled out decades ago. Prof Powis said: 'I think over time it's highly likely that these drugs will become more widespread. 'I think there will be a combination of increased evidence of positive outcomes and costs dropping, and we will learn better how to deploy them. 'This is very exciting – we're in the foothills of learning how to use them.'
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
How to get rid of hay fever symptoms by eating 5 everyday foods – plus 6 other pollen bomb non-negotiables
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HAY fever season is in full swing. And if you're one of the 10million Brits who suffer from constant sneezing, coughing and red itchy eyes as soon as the blossom starts blooming, you'll probably be at your wit's end right about now. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Hay fever can make our lives miserable, with running noses, itchy eyes and a sore throat Credit: Getty Popping antihistamines might be a helpful way to calm down swollen sinuses, but it's not the only solution. The real key to hay fever could be less about tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops — and more about what's going on in your gut. Nutritionist Stephanie Baker tells Sun Health: 'You may not realise it, but your gut health and immune system are intrinsically linked. 'The majority of our immune system resides in the gut, with gut health significantly affecting how our immune system functions. 'Studies even link dysbiosis (an imbalanced ratio of good to bad guys in the gut) with an increased susceptibility to allergies and inflammatory conditions.' In fact, low levels of specific bacteria, such as the strain Bifidobacterium, are correlated with a higher risk for seasonal allergies. It means if you suffer from uncomfortable bloating or excess gas, it could be because the quality and quality of your gut microflora are not as diverse as they could be. So what can you do about it? 'Firstly, take a good quality multi-strain probiotic to help support a healthy and diverse microbiome,' Stephanie says. 'Couple this with an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean or paleo diet.' I'm a GP - you've been taking your hay fever meds all wrong and it's making it worse This means lots of vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli and spinach, fruits such as apples, bananas and grapes, nuts like walnuts, cashews and hazelnuts, and herbs including oregano, rosemary and sage. Beans, lentils and pulses are also important, as are whole grains like oats, brown rice, corn, fish and seafood, poultry, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and avocado. 'When building your plate, focus on colour. Variety in colour leads to more micronutrients which is ideal for gut healing,' Stephanie says. 'And if you notice a clear link between a certain food and increased gut symptoms like bloating, remove the suspect ingredient and notice how your gut responds.' Along with showing your gut some TLC, there are some additional must-dos that could help your battle hay fever terror. 1. Pop a quercetin pill 7 Taking a quercetin supplement or increasing your intake of foods high in the antioxidant might help ease symptoms Credit: Getty IF you're looking for a natural route to beat an intense hay fever assault, taking an antioxidant supplement could help to beat long-term stuffiness - but not just any old antioxidant will do. For maximum benefit, try quercetin, which is packed with naturally occurring plant compounds called polyphenols. It is thought to be particularly effective in a 500mg to 1,000mg daily dose. You can couple quercetin with over-the-counter hay fever meds or use it in place of them. 'Quercetin supplementation has been thought to manage the histamine response, which is a main contributor to allergic reactions,' Stephanie says. It can take a few weeks before you start to see results so the earlier you take quercetin the better. Quercetin is also found in onion, asparagus, berries, apples and green tea - so it could be worth increasing your intake of these too! 2. Rinse away the day 7 Washing your clothes, hair and body frequently can remove traces of pollen Credit: Getty IF you commute to work and back, the single best thing you can do when you get home is to fling your clothes in the laundry basket and take a shower. Make sure to wash your hair to remove any traces of pollen that you might have brought home with you. Don't panic - you can skip the cold shower, as warm water is thought to be more effective at loosening allergic particles that can stick to skin. That said, ice cubes can be effective at reducing facial puffiness, especially under the eyes. GUT STUFF Q&A WHAT IS THE GUT AND WHAT DOES IT DO? Farzanah Nasser, gut health nutritionist at Biotiful, says: 'The gut is everything that allows food to travel through your body, starting at the mouth, and includes our gut microbiome, which weighs approximately 1 to 2kg kilos (similar in weight to the brain). 'It also includes accessory organs like the pancreas and liver that help release enzymes to break down and absorb the food that we eat so we can extract the goodness from it.' WHY IS GUT HEALTH IMPORTANT? Farzanah says: 'The gut is important because it can have an impact on every system of our body. It really is a magical system. 'We extract goodness from the foods we eat like vitamins, minerals and amino acids to help with metabolism, hormones, mood and energy. 'The fibre from the food that we cannot break down goes to our gut microbiome, which we utilise as fuel and in return, makes many things for us - including calcium and iron, vitamins, like vitamin B and vitamin K. 'It also produces postbiotics that have an anti-inflammatory impact throughout the body, supporting gut health, mood and skin to name just a few. 'Research is always being published that shows the better we take care of our gut health, the better health outcomes we can expect too.' SIGNS YOUR GUT IS A MESS Farzanah says: 'Signs that your gut is out of whack can include bloating, irregular bathroom habits, burping, and indigestion. 'However, gut issues are not confined to the area - they can be system-wide. 'Low mood, brain fog, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and hormone imbalances can all also be impacted by gut health too.' DANGERS OF POOR GUT HEALTH Farzanah says: 'Our gut can impact so many systems of the body that supporting it as best we can will have a positive effect on how we feel and function daily. 'Studies have found that supporting the gut has a positive impact on mood and lowering anxiety and stress. 'It can positively impact our hormones, skin and longevity. Up to 70 per cent of our immune system is in the gut, meaning good gut health supports better immunity and reduces inflammation - which is a driver for ageing and chronic disease. 'Supporting our gut also helps us regulate our blood sugar and cholesterol, supporting heart health. 'We would be missing out on many of these benefits if we didn't take care of our gut.' HOW TO IMPROVE GUT HEALTH Farzanah says: 'In a world obsessed with supplements and quick fixes, we've lost sight of the simplest, most effective way to support, or 'reset', our gut - through natural foods that have been enjoyed for centuries. 'It's time to go back to basics. Supporting your gut health does not need to be complicated. 'Including more fermented foods for seven to 14 days, alongside 30 different plants, could significantly improve the abundance of healthy bacteria in your gut. 'Plant foods include everything from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, legumes, grains, teas and spices – so there is a lot to choose from. 'Fibre is also crucial - we should all be aiming for 30g a day - as it promotes a healthy microbiome, and helps to keep us fuller for longer and support balanced blood sugar.' She adds: 'Be sure to go outdoors and get some fresh air. Sunlight can influence gut health and help improve your mood and energy levels. 'But also prioritise getting seven to nine hours of sleep, which is important to help maintain gut health, plus a lack of sleep makes us crave more sugar and feel too tired to cook.' 3. Create a barrier 7 Smear a little coconut oil or Vaseline on your lips and around your nostrils to create a barrier Credit: Getty IT might sound obvious, but there are some common sense steps that can dramatically reduce stuffiness and swollen eyes. Firstly, wear a hat to help shield your hair and face, and pop on a pair of wraparound sunglasses as soon as you head out the door. This will help prevent pollen from getting close to your eyes and will deter you from rubbing them. Another quick but effective tip is to smear a little coconut oil or Vaseline on your lips and around your nostrils to create a barrier of entry for pollen. 4. Plan ahead 7 Check the pollen forecasts on the Met Office website Credit: MET Office CHECKING the pollen count is a vital step to keep hay fever in check. The Met Office website displays a real-time five-day forecast for each region of the UK, with an easy-to-understand traffic light system ranging from 'low' to 'very high' so that you can plan ahead. The app is available on iOS and Android devices. 5. Eat 30 plants per week 7 Aim to eat 30 different plants every week Credit: Getty STUDIES show that a diverse diet results in a lower risk of hay fever symptoms. Yet approximately two thirds of all UK adults still don't manage to eat the bare minimum of five portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Health experts now recommend aiming for 30 different plant-based foods per week to truly optimise wellbeing. The good news is, this isn't limited to fruit and veg; it also includes herbs, spices, nuts and seeds. 'I suggest including key anti-inflammatory microbiome supporting foods such as garlic, turmeric, and apples to help support the body's immune response,' Stephanie says. 'Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol and highly processed foods as they can compromise the microbiome and impact immune health.' 6. Do a spring clean 7 Keeping your house clean can help minimise allergens Credit: Getty A DEEP clean isn't just cathartic; it could also help to ease hay fever symptoms - so don't let those chores build up! Vacuuming behind the sofa, under rugs, and in hard-to-reach corners along with changing your bedding weekly can help to minimise allergens in the house. Keeping the windows and doors closed during peak pollen hours, as well as investing in an air filter, can also help to keep your home pollen-free.
