I was thrilled to be pregnant with my first baby - then things took a terrifying turn that could have left both me and my son dead. This is what I want all mums to know

I was thrilled to be pregnant with my first baby - then things took a terrifying turn that could have left both me and my son dead. This is what I want all mums to know Edna Swart, 34, wanted a natural birth but needed an emergency C-section Read more: The top 10 baby names parents don't want for their kids anymore By Carina Stathis For Daily Mail Australia Published: 10:18, 17 August 2024 | Updated: 10:18, 17 August 2024 e-mail View comments Edna Swart and Reid Stephen welcomed their 'little angel' Astyn into the world on April 19 - but the birth was 'the polar opposite' to what they expected as mum and baby both could've died. The 34-year-old mum from New Zealand told FEMAIL she envisioned a 'beautiful, tranquil natural birth' and despite having an 'easy pregnancy', problems began to surface four days out from labour when the baby flipped on his back.

Edna, the founder of skincare brand Ed&i Body, said the gruelling 24-hour labour was excruciating and the traumatic ordeal was difficult to talk about months later. In hospital it took a turn when Astyn passed meconium - baby poo - which can be dangerous for infants if inhaled and can cause health problems or death in some cases. During labour the baby's heartrate decreased, Edna had an infection, and the umbilical cord wrapped around the baby's neck.

Despite doctors' best efforts, an emergency C-section was required and within five minutes Astyn was born. 'It was the most pain I've ever felt. I only had back pain from contrac.