GLASGOW — The family of a first-time mother who died during childbirth say her newborn son has become the focus of their grief and the reason they are trying to keep going. Chelsea McGillivray, 31, suffered an unknown cardiac event while in labour last Monday after what her relatives believed had been a straightforward pregnancy. Despite CPR from medical staff, she could not be revived.
Her son Tommy was delivered safely, monitored in neonatal intensive care after the traumatic birth and then allowed home two days later. Chelsea’s sister-in-law, Lorna McGillivray, said the family are struggling to absorb what has happened. She described their feelings as a rollercoaster as they try to make sense of “baby Tommy here and Chelsea not”.
Pregnancy had appeared normal before labour began
Chelsea, from Rutherglen in South Lanarkshire, was at full term when her waters broke and she went to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. She was checked over and told to go home. According to her family, her contractions then came on quickly and she returned to hospital with her partner Jack and her mother once it was confirmed she was in labour.
Lorna said Chelsea was still in good spirits and even joking while she was in pain. But when she was moved on to the bed ready to give birth, her condition deteriorated suddenly. The midwife raised the alarm and emergency teams began CPR straight away. The family said the collapse happened with no warning and that all of Chelsea’s antenatal tests had been normal.
They also said she had no known underlying health conditions, leaving them stunned by the speed of events. Lorna said Chelsea had been talking one moment and then was not.
Tommy is home with his father after neonatal care
Doctors were able to deliver Tommy safely after Chelsea’s collapse. He was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit, where he was monitored before being discharged home two days later. He is now with his father, Jack, as the family begin life without Chelsea.
Lorna said Tommy is “doing amazing” and described him as “perfect”. She said he is the light helping the family through what they are facing. In her words, they are trying to celebrate his arrival even while dealing with one of the hardest moments of their lives, because that is what Chelsea would have wanted.
The family said Chelsea had been excited about becoming a mother. She had planned the baby shower, the gender reveal and personalised decorations for Tommy’s arrival. Relatives also said she doted on her nephews and had imagined taking them to the park for picnics and playtime.
Fundraiser launched so Jack can grieve and care for his son
Jack now plans to honour his partner’s memory and continue with the things she had looked forward to, including a new-born photoshoot she had already booked. Lorna said he is devastated but stepping up to fatherhood in the way the family expected. She said they are proud of him and want him to have time with Tommy without the pressure of work.
A fundraiser set up for the self-employed father has raised more than £85,000, which the family say will help cover expenses while he takes time away from work. Lorna said the money will not ease the pain or bring Chelsea back, but it does relieve financial strain and gives Jack more time with his son. She added that the family want to remember Chelsea’s smile, dimples and infectious laugh as they move through their grief.
An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde spokesperson said the organisation’s heartfelt condolences were with Chelsea’s family and loved ones during the “incredibly difficult time”.
The latest UK news and stories from MCFC Report.
