The Bachelor’s Irena Srbinovska shares her unborn baby has been diagnosed with a health condition
“This is something I didn’t think I was going to share…”
After meeting and falling in love on The Bachelor in early 2020, Irena Srbinovska and Locky Gilbert tied the knot last year and are now expecting their first child.
The former reality star has been open and honest about her and Locky’s journey to parenthood with the pair sharing their fertility struggles and two previous miscarriages.
Now, Irena has opened up to her Instagram followers, revealing that her unborn baby has been diagnosed with a single umbilical artery. A single umbilical artery (SUA), involves the umbilical cord developing only one artery instead of the typical two and may be linked to birth defects.
Sharing a video addressing the condition, Irena wrote: “This is something I didn’t think I was going to share but I have had a lot of questions about when my baby is due and I have deliberately not shared that for a reason.
“So early in the pregnancy our baby was diagnosed with a Single Artery Umbilical Cord which is more common than I thought. In fact 1 in 100 pregnancies have a single artery cord. The main concern being that the baby is small to develop.”
She continued: “So our baby and my bump is smaller than what is expected for how far along I am and I didn’t want to be compared to other women around the same gestation as me.
“Being pregnant isn’t easy, we ourselves compare our bump, our pregnancy, our baby and our experience to those around us.
“I just wanted to put it out there that it’s ok if your experience is different to those of your friends, colleagues, relatives, people in media or whoever. It’s your experience and it’s special…it’s a miracle.”
Irena announced her pregnancy in September last year. “2023 has been a year of surprises, and now Locky and I are thrilled to share the biggest surprise of our lives—anticipating a new member in our family ♥️,” Irena shared to Instagram alongside a video which showed off her bump.
The couple, who are both 33, have been open about their desire to start a family but unfortunately have experienced heartbreaking miscarriages on their road to parenthood and their post addressed others who are struggling with infertility or pregnancy losses.
“As we revel in our happiness, we’re deeply sensitive to those who face the trials of infertility or have suffered loss. Having navigated the rollercoaster of emotions ourselves, we extend our hands and hearts to those on a similar path. In the midst of life’s storms, may you find your rainbow soon 🌈”
Irena finished the post, “Due early 2024 🍼”
In a ‘Ask me a question’ session with her Instagram followers, Irena opened up about how she has coped during the first months of her pregnancy.
When a fan asked if she had experienced pregnancy sickness, she responded: “I was so hopeful, the nausea and vomiting has progressively got worse even into the second trimester now.”
She continues: “Locky has been amazing (he holds my hair) and poor Odi sits at my feet when I’m vomiting. Nothing has seemed to work. I have tried everything, including prescription medication with no improvement. The only thing that’s worked is being on a drip.
“I was initially losing weight but have started gaining weight now, I battle through the nausea a lot better now.”
She finishes: “If you have any tips send them my way!!!!!”
In July 2023, Irena shared she and Locky had experienced their second miscarriage. Their first pregnancy loss was in the first year of their relationship.
During the Q&A session, a follower asked Irena, “How did you manage post miscarriage and conceiving this little babe. Currently amidst it.”
The Bachelor alum responded with honestly, writing: “Firstly, we knew that we wanted to keep trying and that physically I had recovered post miscarriage very quickly… mentally and emotionally slowly but with support I got through it. Don’t get me wrong, I was a mess but I was hopeful after having read the most incredibly inspirational stroies from all of you. It’s what helped the most!!”
Irena shared she also read a lot of medical journals and studies about miscarriages. “From what I read, the recommendation was to try and conceive again within 1-3 months post miscarriage as the chances of miscarrying again were lower.
“I also took daily low does aspirin (please see your Ob or GP as this was recommended for me but may not be suitable to you). This was to increase blood flow to the uterus. I also had weekly progesterone levels done to see if I needed to take supplementary progesterone to support the pregnancy in the very early weeks.”
She continues: “I was also advised to stop all exercise, rest, no caffeine and lots and lots of water. I did this for the first 12 weeks. And I did weekly acupuncture at a womens fertility clinic.”
She finished, “And tried to stay positive even though I was absolutely terrified.”
Earlier this year, Irena opened up about her second pregnancy loss, telling 7Life, “We’ve been trying to get pregnant and try to start our family and we were absolutely over the moon when we found out we were pregnant last month.
“Unfortunately, a week later we suffered a miscarriage, and… it was emotional, hard and obviously heartbreaking. It was a very unfortunate experience and a sad time for us.”
Irena says going through a miscarriage can be a lonely experience for women.
“Obviously other women go through it, one in four pregnancies unfortunately result in a miscarriage, but you feel alone and like you’re by yourself,” she says.
“Going through this, I’ve learned that you’re not going through it alone.”
After sharing her own experience, Irena partnered with Red Nose Day to support others going through a loss of a baby or child in pregnancy, infancy or childhood.
Sharing an Instagram post announcing the partnership, Irena wrote: “I am so proud to say that I have joined the Red Nose Day family as their official ambassador for their 35th Red Nose Day this August.”
She continued: “Unfortunately the timing of this announcement has come only weeks after Locky and I suffered another miscarriage which has only made me more eager to join and raise awareness for the cause.
“Like most Australians, I have grown up with Red Nose Day but what many of you may not know is that they offer support to people that have been impacted by miscarriage.”
In Australia, one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, which is estimated to be about 100,000 annually.
“And after talking to my friends and family about my experience I have realised just how many families are impacted by miscarriages,” says Irena.
“As a nurse and as a woman who hopes to be a mother someday I hope that my story helps someone out there. I hope that by sharing my experience of miscarriage other women may feel less alone. Many people are not aware that Red Nose offers support for people impacted by miscarriage, so if my story helps just one person access the support they need, at least some ‘good’ can come from a very sad situation.”
In the comments section of Irena’s post, Locky wrote: “My wonder women, so so so lucky to have you in my life babe. Can’t explain how strong and supportive you are. So proud of you for putting your self out there and taking about this. Can’t wait for our little family together.”
To access the free 24/7 National Red Nose support line, call 1300 308 307 or visit www.rednosegriefandloss.org.au
To make a donation to help continue these vital services visit www.rednoseday.org.au
