Julia Bradbury: don't leave it too late to have babies

“Doctors had warned that it would be more difficult because of my condition and the fact that I was an older mum,” she told the Express. “I am very lucky that I have even had Zeph. Once you are over 40, everybody knows that your chances of having a baby drop off a cliff.”

Julia started trying for a baby when she was 40 because she didn’t get together with her partner, Gerard, until she was 39.

"We knew we wanted a family." she said, "and I didn't have a lot of time, so we started trying.”

And when she fell pregnant, she was delighted – but her pregnancy was complicated as she suffered from pre-eclampsia. “I didn't feel myself and I had this persistent, pounding headache,” she said. “Doctors found I had early onset pre-eclampsia. I was given a cervical sweep and, within 48 hours, I started to have contractions.

“Labour took 33 hours and it was traumatic towards the end. I had an epidural, as I was in a lot of pain, but I had a natural birth, which is what I wanted.”

Now Julia would like another child but fears she may be unable.

“I can't tell at this stage if my endometriosis will prevent me from having more kids. I hope it won't. I would love Zeph to have a brother or sister but I am 43 and have to be realistic.

“You have to say in your heart that having one child might be it. I have to be positive and count my blessings.

“What I would say to other women is not to leave it too late. I have had a fantastic career but I didn't start early enough.”

Read more...

• Julia Bradbury pregnant with “miracle” baby
• Endometriosis – diagnosis made easier
• Pre-eclampsia explained