New mum reunites with Kent ambulance crews after surviving rare pregnancy emergency

A first-time mum has been reunited with the ambulance crews who helped save her and her unborn babies life after she suffered a rare and life-threatening eclamptic seizure at 36 weeks pregnant.

Eclamptic seizures are extremely uncommon, affecting less than one per cent of women with pre-eclampsia and occurring in approximately one in every 2,000 to 3,000 pregnancies in developed countries.

In the early hours of 14 October 2025, Charlotte, aged 33 was at home with her husband, Matt, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, baby Ella, who was due in November.

Charlotte, who has little to no memory of the incident, was found asleep having a seizure by her husband who immediately dialled 999.

Within 20 minutes of the 999 call, ambulance crews Nicola and Jenni arrived on scene and found Charlotte in a very drowsy, unresponsive state. Recognising the seriousness of her condition and that she was heavily pregnant with a heart rate of 140 and a blood pressure of 210/140, they acted quickly to get her out of the home and rapidly transfer her to hospital in order to save both mum and baby.

The crew called for additional support from Critical Care Paramedic, Andy, who met them at a rendezvous point in Sittingbourne. During this time, Charlotte suffered a further seizure, with Andy administering magnesium to help control the seizure and stabilise her condition before continuing the journey to hospital.

Charlotte was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital where, later that morning, she gave birth to baby Ella via caesarean section. Both Charlotte and her newborn daughter remained in hospital for nine days before being discharged home to their family.

Following her recovery, Charlotte was determined to personally thank those involved in her care. During her visit to Medway Make Ready Centre, she was reunited with Nicola, Jenni and Andy where they all got to enjoy a cuddle with baby Ella and hear about Charlotte’s recovery.