Peripartum cardiomyopathy—a real life story

Carly was a typical teenager: she loved shopping, make-up, clothes, meeting up with friends at parties and generally living life to the full. She keep fit too—joined a gym and took spinning classes.

From an early age, Carly wanted to get married and become a mother. She left school at 16 and went to work in a solicitors' office, with plans of becoming a legal secretary. But she later became a qualified electrician in a big company where she was promoted to senior planner. By the time she was 21, Carly had met her husband at work and decided he was the man for her. After 5 years together, they married and Carly had her perfect church wedding and reception in a country hotel followed by a dream 2-week honeymoon in Portugal.

During their honeymoon, Carly became pregnant and they were both thrilled. Carly struggled with morning sickness during the early months and had two spells in hospital because of it, but 4 months into her pregnancy, she was radiant and blooming.