• News
  • Life
  • TV & Film
  • Beauty
  • Style
  • Home
  • News
    • Celebrity
    • Entertainment
    • Politics
    • Royal Family
  • Life
    • Animals
    • Food & Drink
    • Women's Health
    • Mental Health
    • Sex & Relationships
    • Travel
    • Real Life
  • TV & Film
    • True Crime
    • Documentaries
    • Netflix
    • BBC
    • ITV
    • Tyla Recommends
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Make-up
    • Skincare
  • Style
    • Home
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
Submit Your Content
Mum died just seconds after seeing newborn son for first time

Home> News

Updated 13:54 5 Oct 2023 GMT+1Published 13:53 5 Oct 2023 GMT+1

Mum died just seconds after seeing newborn son for first time

An inquest has commenced following her death

Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle

Content warning: the subject matter in this article may be upsetting to some readers.

One mum tragically passed away just seconds after seeing her newborn son for very first time.

The late Bernadette Horsey, from Nottingham, died in childbirth after suffering a 'profound, catastrophic collapse' mere moments after welcoming her baby, Tim, to the world.

Horsey, who was just 31 years old at the time, suffered a cardiac arrest and died at the Royal Derby Hospital last year (19 January) and an inquest into the horrific situation has been launched.

Advert

Bernadette Horsey suffered a cardiac arrest and died just seconds after seeing her newborn son for the first time.
Family Handout/PA Wire

The inquest commenced yesterday (4 October) when the Derby Coroner’s Court heard there was a 'clear and critical change' in Horsey’s health within the space of just 60 seconds.

Dr Martyn Traves, a consultant anaesthetist at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), has said he believes Horsey, who worked as a biomedical scientist who worked for the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, died from an amniotic fluid embolism.

This effectively means that amniotic fluid, the liquid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy, enters the bloodstream and causes a reaction which can stop the heart.

Advert

"All diseases have spectrums," he said. "Some people have different reactions to it and in this case, it was a profound, catastrophic collapse.

"There was no way of predicting that."

The consultant continued: "In about 60 seconds we went from relative normality to a catastrophic position. "I am certain that this was an amniotic fluid embolism."

When asked by Louise Pinder, assistant coroner for Derby and Derbyshire, whether there were any missed opportunities to save Horsey, Traves replied: "Not as far as I’m aware of. We reacted quickly to what was happening in front of us.

Advert

"Sadly, I don’t think we could have done anything to change that."

The medical professional said there were no concerns over Horsey's health until seconds before she entered cardiac arrest.

He told the court that immediately following Tim’s delivery, he went to inject Horsey’s hand with oxytocin, a routine procedure, but he noticed her hand was in an unexpected position.

Aaron said he 'could not even process what was happening'.
Family Handout/PA Wire

Advert

While he noted this was not abnormal, Traves said he paused the injection when Horsey continued to move unexpectedly as he noticed her face became 'extremely pale and mottled'.

Her eyes subsequently rolled back representing a 'clear and critical change' in her condition.

He declared Horsey to be in a tonic state, meaning her body had entered a seizure, just seconds after he had congratulated her on the birth of her son.

"It was extremely evident that she was in a critically unwell position at that time," Traves said. "It was not obvious what had occurred."

Advert

Tragically, despite the hospital staff's best efforts, Horsey was declared dead at 11.45 am.

Horsey's death was one of three maternal deaths and four maternal collapses at the Royal Derby in the space of 16 months.

In a report issued in February this year, the Health and Safety Investigation Branch said that while there were no common themes, incidents could have been prevented had previous advice been implemented.

Widower Aaron, opened up about his late wife ahead of the birth saying she was 'scared of what was about to happen' and was specifically concerned 'about having a blood clot and dying suddenly', but had no concerns about the care given at the time.

"The screen was lowered and he (Tim) was just there," Aaron recalled. "She (Horsey) said 'It’s a boy'.

"It could have been 100 years we were looking at Tim. Then the screen was put back up again."

He went on: "As I turned back from the screen to look at her, I let her head down on the pillow and as soon as I took my hand out she just slumped towards me.

"I could not even process what was happening. It was just like this image does not make sense."

The inquest is expected to conclude on Friday (6 October).

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677

Featured Image Credit: Family Handout/PA Wire

Topics: Health, Parenting, Pregnancy, NHS

Rhiannon Ingle
Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle is a Senior Journalist at Tyla, specialising in TV, film, travel, and culture. A graduate of the University of Manchester with a degree in English Literature, she honed her editorial skills as the Lifestyle Editor of The Mancunian, the UK’s largest student newspaper. With a keen eye for storytelling, Rhiannon brings fresh perspectives to her writing, blending critical insight with an engaging style. Her work captures the intersection of entertainment and real-world experiences.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

8 hours ago
9 hours ago
10 hours ago
  • 8 hours ago

    Donald Trump slammed for 'cruel' remarks about ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ where he plans to hold undocumented immigrants

    Another migrant detention facility is in the works

    News
  • 9 hours ago

    Grim theory behind why Donald Trump’s ex Ivana is buried at his golf club

    When you think of a final resting place for a president's former wife, you probably don't think of a golf course

    News
  • 10 hours ago

    FBI's statement about Trump's assassination attempt has divided opinion as conspiracy theory sparked over 'major clue' it was faked

    President Trump sustained a wound to his ear during an assassination attempt last July

    News
  • 10 hours ago

    Donald Trump sparks conspiracy theory after people spot detail in photo with Crown Prince

    This isn't the first time the President's height has been brought into question

    News
  • Mum explains horrifying dangers of ‘chroming’ after son nearly died
  • Travis Kelce has heartwarming reaction to seeing Jason and Kylie’s newborn baby on camera for the first time
  • People disturbed after realising what pregnancy does to your eyes
  • Heartbroken mum reveals son died from pollen allergy whilst out with his friends after school