Doctors told me I'd never be a mum after childhood abuse damaged my body – but I got pregnant with an ‘Ozempic baby'
AFTER suffering years of sexual abuse, Stephanie Craig was given the heartbreaking news by doctors that she would never be a mum.
The internal damage that she'd suffered due to the abuse which began when she was just a child, meant that it would be impossible for her to fall pregnant.
7
Her daughter Callie is now nine months old
Credit: Supplied
7
Stephanie Craig lost 12 stone after weight loss surgery and taking Ozempic
Credit: Supplied
7
She fell pregnant just a few weeks after taking the fat jab after being told she'd never be a mum
Credit: Supplied
But after taking the weight loss jab Ozempic - Stephanie, 25, found herself staring at a miracle.
Her pregnancy test stick was positive and she was expecting the baby she had always longed for, despite the doctors' predictions.
She gave birth to her
'Even when I was in labour I didn't actually believe I was pregnant,' says Stephanie, who lives in Glasgow.
Read More on Real Lives
'It was only when Callie was placed onto my chest and I saw her for the first time that I actually believed she was mine.'
Stephanie was in and out of children's homes as a child and suffered abuse from a young age.
As she got older, she was put on the
She says: 'I actually developed an eating disorder at 18, when I was already around 20 stone in weight.
Most read in Fabulous
'I started to
'I was told at the age of 18 and at 22 by doctors on both occasions that I wouldn't be able to have children because of the internal damage I'd suffered.
Doc gives advice on how to tackle Mounjaro side effect of excess loose skin
'So I never thought I'd be a mum.'
It was watching TV and seeing that James Argent from Towie had undergone gastric sleeve surgery that spurred Stephanie into action to lose weight.
She said: 'I rang my friend straight away and told her that I wanted to have gastric surgery like Arg had done.
'As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was going to be the right answer for me.
'I'd tried joining slimming groups from the age of 18, but nothing had ever worked for me. So I got on and booked it straight away.'
Stephanie had the gastric sleeve operation, which she financed with her savings, at The Spire Hospital in Manchester in July 2021, when she weighed just over 22 stone.
In just over 12 months she had lost a massive ten stone - and had dropped to just over 12 stone.
Then because she had been left with so much loose skin from her weight loss, she underwent a tummy tuck and breast uplift in Turkey in July 2022, a thigh and bra line lift in January 2023 and finally a reverse tummy tuck and thigh lift in August 2023.
7
Doctors told Stephanie that the internal damage she'd suffered as a result of childhood abuse would prevent her from becoming a mum
Credit: Supplied
7
It is believed that the weight loss medication can improve ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity, leading to increased fertility and potentially unintended pregnancies
Credit: Supplied
7
Stephanie says that Callie is her 'little miracle'
Credit: Supplied
She says: 'I felt amazing after I'd lost all the weight, but I had so much loose skin, that I had a number of cosmetic surgeries to remove it.
'My body looks so much better now. I had some savings, and it was worth every penny to finally get the body that I'm happy with. It's given me so much more confidence.'
And there were more surprises to come.
Stephanie took the weight loss drug Ozempic in November 2023, after the surgery had been completed, to try and lose a few extra pounds, and a few weeks later, she made the most amazing discovery. She had fallen pregnant.
She says: 'I didn't believe it. I did lots of tests and they all came up positive, but I still didn't believe that I was actually pregnant.
CAN OZEMPIC BOOST FERTILITY?
Experts believe the 'Ozempic baby' phenomenon could be down to the major weight loss associated with the drug.
This is because any weight loss, especially in those with PCOS, is known to boost fertility.
The drug may also increase the chance of pregnancy because side effects such as nausea and vomiting may stop contraceptive pills from being absorbed properly.
Dr Nerys Astbury, nutrition scientist and senior researcher in diet and obesity at the University of Oxford, said it was 'plausible' semaglutide injections, by reducing people's weight, could help improve fertility.
'It's nothing special about the drug,' she told the newspaper. 'The effect the drug has is on promoting weight loss.
'It is important to note that whilst some doctors are prescribing semaglutide off-label to women with PCOS, it is not clear whether it's safe to use in women during pregnancy.'
She added: "It should not be used as a method to treat infertility until research demonstrating safety and effectiveness is available and until regulatory approval for use in those before and during pregnancy.'
Prof Barbara McGowan, from King's College London, added: "Women on GLP-1 agonists should take contraception whilst they take the medication and stop at least two months before trying for fertility."
"Healthcare professionals should include this advice when the medication is started.'
'I'd had lots of investigations over the years because of the sexual abuse I'd suffered, and had several laparoscopies, where a camera Is inserted down the fallopian tubes, and it had shown that I'd suffered a lot of internal damage.
'Because of that, the doctors always said that I wouldn't be able to fall pregnant. So to find myself looking at a positive pregnancy test stick was unreal.'
It is believed that the weight loss medication, which is also used for diabetes management, can improve ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity, leading to increased fertility and potentially unintended pregnancies.
The only time I actually believed it was when she was handed to me for the first time, and I gave her a cuddle
Stephanie Craig
She says: 'I only took it for a couple of weeks, but it certainly must have changed something in my body for me to be able to fall pregnant like this.
'Even as my bump grew, I still didn't believe there was an actual baby, even when I went for scans and saw her moving, and then even in labour.
'The only time I actually believed it was when she was handed to me for the first time, and I gave her a cuddle.'
Baby Callie, who was born in September last year, is now nine months old and has just started nursery.
Stephanie adds: 'It's a lovely feeling being a mum, and I know that I've got Ozempic to thank for that. I took it to lose a few pounds, but ended up with a surprise baby.
'She's a little miracle.'
7
Stephanie credits Ozempic for helping lose weight and get her dream baby
Credit: Supplied
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The TRUTH about Ozemd**k – the bizarre weight loss jab side-effect that's ‘adding inches' to manhood size
OZEMPIC-PENIS sounds like a sexually transmitted disease you really wouldn't want to catch. But it's actually a term that has cropped up online, largely amongst men on Advertisement 4 Men who have been taking Ozempic say they've noticed a change to their penis size, here we reveal all you need to know Credit: Getty One anonymous user wrote: 'I recently measured myself down there and noticed I gained about one inch.' Another asked: 'Increased size, anyone else notice?' Weight loss drugs were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes, and Ozempic is still prescribed for just that. Wegovy and Advertisement They work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones, like GLP-1, that make you feel full, slow digestion and regulate appetite, leading to sometimes drastic fat loss. The health benefits can be huge considering obesity can cause cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and more. But is it too good to be true that the drugs can add inches to your penis as well? We asked GP and men's health and erectile dysfunction expert Dr Jeff Foster, Medical Director of Can taking weight loss drugs really make your penis bigger? 4 Weight loss jabs can make your penis LOOK bigger Credit: Getty Advertisement THE short answer is no, but the drugs can certainly make your penis LOOK bigger. 'It's true,' says Dr Foster. 'You naturally have a small fat pad just above the base of the top of your penis. What is Erectile Dysfunction? 'As you develop 'It appears, therefore, that everything has shrunk. 'It's as if your penis has gone inside, but all that's really happening is the surrounding tissue to your penis has become more protruded - the true penis size hasn't changed. Advertisement 'And in fact, about 70 per cent of your penis is external, there's another 30 per cent inside that you just never see.' Pre-Ozempic, some men found this illusion so upsetting that they'd be referred for liposuction to have the fat pad reduced. 'The removal of this fat pad just above the penis does make it look bigger, but the problem is, it's not actually any bigger, it's just the appearance of the outward area,' says Dr Foster. Losing some of that fat pad as a side-effect of weight loss drugs can have the same effect though - and doesn't involve a surgical procedure. 'It's a win, isn't it?' says Dr Foster. 'You're going to be healthier, and you might end up looking like you've got a bigger penis. Advertisement 'I mean, no men are ever going to go, 'Ah, I'm really worried my penis is too big'.' Do fat jabs help improve erections too? 4 Fat jabs can help improve erections and your sex drive will go up Credit: Getty 'DEFINITELY,' says Dr Foster 'Fat increases oestrogen levels in men, and it also reduces testosterone and increases insulin resistance. 'All of those three together will have a really negative impact on your testosterone production. Advertisement 'And if you haven't got testosterone, or not as much of it, you don't get a libido, you don't get erections. 'So it's really simple: by reducing your body fat, your erections get better, your sex drive goes up and you feel more manly.' Does that mean weight loss meds could eventually be prescribed for ED? 'IT could be one of your tools as part of an overall arsenal of treating erectile dysfunction (ED), but you wouldn't use it as a primary treatment,' says Dr Foster, who says that crucially you need to find the root cause of the problem. 'The biggest cause of erectile dysfunction in men is still heart disease. 'If you've got narrowing of the arteries you can't get a decent erection. Advertisement 'Your penile artery is almost identical in calibre and design to your coronary artery. 'That's how they discovered Viagra - it was designed for blood pressure in your heart originally, and they found it worked really well down below.' He adds: 'This is why we say to men, if you have got erectile dysfunction, find out why. 'The worst thing you can do is just buy some over the counter tablet without finding out why [it's happening]. 'We say that on average, if you have an arterial cause for erectile dysfunction, you have about a three-year window before something bad happens to your heart, like a heart attack - so really understand the cause.' Advertisement This is when weight loss drugs could make a difference, by supporting overall heart health, and therefore, erection health. 'If we think there's a cardiovascular cause, then using something like Ozempic or Mounjaro could be amazing, because not only do you fix your erection, but you actually fix the underlying process that's causing the whole thing,' says Dr Foster. 'It improves your heart and your penis.' Are there any potential penile risks? 4 The weight loss jabs may however reduce muscle mass, a problem that needs to be managed, whether you're worried about how your penis looks or not Credit: Getty 'I'VE heard the rumour that allegedly GLP-1 drugs may reduce penis size or have adverse effects on male health in general,' says Dr Foster. Advertisement 'The theory behind it is whether testosterone or male wellbeing is affected by GLP-1s.' He explains: 'GLP-1s work by improving satiety, so you eat less. 'By doing that, you reduce body fat, but the other part of that, which we're now seeing evidence of, is that if you're not careful, you also start to reduce muscle mass. 'That's the big worry, because on one hand, yes, you want to get rid of excess fat, but you don't want to reduce your muscle because that's not healthy for anyone.' Loss of muscle can lead to falls, lack of mobility, increased fractures, and in older age, even premature death. Advertisement '[People] think that sarcopenia-effect (muscle loss) is because of lowered testosterone, but it's probably not a direct effect of [GLP-1s],' he explains. Muscle loss is a problem that should be managed though, whether you're worried about how your penis looks or not. 'If you are going to be taking a weight-loss drug and want to maintain your masculinity, then you have to make sure you eat enough protein and do weight bearing exercise,' says Dr Foster firmly. 'You must do both, and that will help your erections, because we are starting to see the effects of weight loss drugs causing loss of muscle and that's having massively negative impacts on male health. 'To maintain your testosterone, to maintain your erection, make sure you do some decent exercise, and make sure you eat enough protein, even if you don't feel like it, because otherwise you're going to lose more important things [than fat alone], like sexual function and muscle.' Advertisement What is erectile dysfunction? ERECTILE dysfunction - also known as impotence - is very common, especially in men over 40. Erectile dysfunction is when you are either: Unable to get an erection Unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex Depending on the cause, you may still be able to get an erection at other times, such as when you wake up. Sometimes you might also have low sex drive. It's not usually the sign of something serious but you should speak to a GP about it, especially if it's causing you distress. Possible causes include stress, tiredness, having too much booze, as well as some medicines. But if your ED is persistent, it might be caused by: High blood pressure or high cholesterol Diabetes Depression or anxiety Hormone problems
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
New Ozempic alternative only needs to be taken once a month and leads to ‘substantial weight loss'
A NEW weight loss jab that only needs to be taken once monthly leads to "substantial weight loss", according to early trials. Drugs like Wegovy and Advertisement 1 A new weight loss jab currently being trialled only needs to be given once a month Credit: PA But a new drug currently being trialled by pharmaceutical company Amgen can be given once a month and saw users shed up to 16 per cent of their body weight over the course of a year. This is bellow the 20 per cent weight loss than can be achieved through Mounjaro - dubbed the 'King Kong' of weight loss jabs - over 18 months. But scientists behind the new trial said the less frequent dose schedule could encourage people to stick to the treatment. The drug is called maridebart cafraglutide, or MariTide for short. Advertisement Like Wegoy, Mounjaro and Ozempic, it's a , meaning it targets the GLP-1 receptors in the brain and pancreas to reduce appetite and control blood sugar. But it also targets glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, which are also involved in managing insulin release, fat storage, metabolism, and appetite. This is part of the reason the drug needs to be administered less often. "In this phase two trial, once-monthly maridebart cafraglutide resulted in substantial weight reduction in participants with obesity with or without type 2 diabetes," they wrote in Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive "Once-monthly therapeutics for obesity may offer sustainable treatment for persons with this highly prevalent, chronic disease. "Medication at less frequent intervals may improve adherence and reduce barriers, potentially facilitating improvements in long-term health outcomes." I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit - I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald There were 592 people aged 18 or older enrolled in the study - 465 of them were obese, defined as having a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 with one obesity-related complication. The remaining participants had obesity as well as type 2 diabetes. Advertisement They were randomly given monthly maridebart cafraglutide injections or a placebo for a year, at dose of 140, 280, or 420 mg . Some participants remained on a stable dose throughout, while others gradually worked up to a higher one. Participants were asked to report any side effects they experienced from the drug, such as nausea, vomiting, retching, headaches, diarrhoea and constipation Those with obesity lost 12.3 to 16.2 per cent of their body weight while taking maridebart cafraglutide over 52 weeks, compared to people taking a placebo who only lost 2.5 per cent of their weight. Advertisement As for people with diabetes and obesity, they lost 8.4 to 12.3 per cent of their body weight on the drug, compared to 1.7 per cent weight loss for placebo-takers. Almost all participants taking maridebart cafraglutide experienced at least one side-effect from the drug - mild to moderate nausea, vomiting and retching were the most frequently reported side-effects. These effects were less severe when participants gradually built up to a full dose of maridebart cafraglutide, which may be the best way to get people started on it in the future . Advertisement Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Two deaths were reported in participants who received maridebart cafraglutide, but both were investigated and deemed unrelated to the drug. A handful of people taking the drug reported gallbladder issues, which can also be an issue with other weight loss jabs. Some also experienced depression and suicidal thoughts while participating in the trial. One person taking maridebart cafraglutide and one person on the placebo drug withdrew as a result. This was a phase two clinical trial, meaning it still needs to be tested on a bigger group of participants over a longer time period. Advertisement Amgen deemed the results promising enough to progress to a phase three trial. "This phase two dose-ranging trial investigating the efficacy and safety of maridebart cafraglutide, a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist and GIP receptor antagonist administered once monthly or less frequently, showed substantial weight reduction and no new or unexpected safety signals, supporting advancement to phase three," researchers wrote. They estimated MariTide could lead to even more weight loss, beyond a year of use. Read more on the Irish Sun "A weight plateau was not reached at 52 weeks, with weight continuing a downward trajectory," they noted. Advertisement "Therefore, longer-term trials are needed to assess the full weight efficacy of this agent."
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
I've gone from a size 20 to an 8 & lost 8 stone on Mounjaro – I've had hair loss but don't mind, I like my locks thinner
A WOMAN has revealed that thanks to Mounjaro, she has lost eight stone and has dropped from a size 20 to an 8. But Alexandra, 33, who is from the UK and is currently living in Dubai, expressed that since using weight-loss jabs, she has suffered with Advertisement 3 A young woman has revealed that she has slimmed down from a size 20 to an 8 thanks to Mounjaro Credit: tiktok/@alexandraindubai 3 But although Alexandra loves her new frame, she has also suffered with hair loss Credit: tiktok/@alexandraindubai 3 Mounjaro is used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity Credit: Getty However, the content creator isn't bothered by this, as she claimed she likes her locks thinner. Posting on social media, the brunette beauty, who In just 12 months, Alexandra confirmed that she lost eight stone, as she wrote: 'What a journey the last year has been. 8 stone lost.' Alexandra confirmed that during April 2024 to April 2025, she was able to totally transform her life, as she recognised: 'Fat and miserable in the UK to living my best life in Dubai. Advertisement Read more on fat jabs 'I never would have dreamed life could be this good.' When asked if she experienced hair loss, the young woman confirmed: 'I did at month four, horrible but no issues now and I like my hair a bit Mounjaro, which is known as the King Kong of jabs, is now being prescribed on the NHS in the first anti-obesity rollout of its kind. It is said to suppress the appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Such injections are licensed for patients with One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on a person's weight. Sun Health Explainer: Fat jabs The drugs can be lawfully supplied only when prescribed by a practitioner - like a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But many are buying them through online pharmacies with insufficient checks. Advertisement Best thing I've ever done! Alexandra And just earlier this month, a fat jab warning was issued after more than 100 UK deaths were linked to weight loss drugs. Not only this, but the family of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, are now Social media users react Alexandra's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Social media users were stunned by Alexandra's new figure and many raced to the comments to express this. Advertisement One person said: 'You look amazing.' Another added: 'Wow! That's incredible! Well done you!' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. A third commented: 'Amazing! You must feel brilliant.' Advertisement In response, Alexandra wrote back and shared: 'I feel much better that's for sure!! Thank you!' Meanwhile, someone else questioned: 'Is it worth it?' To this, Alexandra confirmed: 'Best thing I've ever done!' The reality of Mounjaro But despite Alexandra's Advertisement A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking Whilst Alexandra dealt with hair loss, the common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea : This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting : Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea : Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation : Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort : Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite : This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion : Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis : In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems : There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors : There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems : Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas. Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said Advertisement The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club Advertisement
