Australian influencer Leah Jay is set to undergo high-risk open-heart surgery while pregnant.
Her partner, Strong Pilates co-founder Michael Ramsey, revealed that doctors found mitral valve vegetation on Leah’s heart – a form of infection which occurs along the edges of the heart valves.
He said the operation poses a serious risk to their unborn baby, but stressed Leah’s health is the priority.
‘We’ve been told there are significant risks for the baby, but Leah is our main priority right now,’ he wrote on Instagram.
‘If all goes well, she could be out of the hospital four to five days post-surgery. Leah is doing well all things considered, taking each step in her stride and being brave in the process.’
The couple were quickly flooded with messages of support from friends and followers.
Australian influencer Leah Jay is set to undergo high-risk open-heart surgery while pregnant
The heartbreaking news comes just days after Michael and Leah announced they were expecting their second child together. The pair already share a three-year-old son called Reeves
Professional boxer Harry Garside wrote: ‘Thinking of you and the family, mate.’
Former Bachelor star Anna Heinrich also shared her support, commenting: ‘Thinking of you both. Sending so much love.’
The heartbreaking news comes just days after Michael and Leah announced they were expecting their second child together. The pair already share a three-year-old son called Reeves.
‘The sequel,’ the couple wrote on Instagram alongside the hashtag #julybaby.
That announcement was also met with an outpouring of love from high-profile friends.
Married At First Sight star Martha Kalifatidis commented: ‘Oh so exciting you guys, congratulations!’ while Sam Frost added: ‘Congratulations beautiful.’
Leah previously made headlines after sharing a candid and humorous video reflecting on some of the ‘silly’ things she believed before becoming a mother for the first time.
In the clip, Leah poked fun at her former self for thinking a baby would simply ‘slot into’ her routine.
Her partner, Strong Pilates co-founder Michael Ramsey, revealed that doctors found mitral valve vegetation on Leah’s heart – a form of infection which occurs along the edges of the heart valves
‘Are you joking, Leah? Your whole life revolves around Reeve’s schedule,’ she said.
‘You sleep when Reeve sleeps. You eat when Reeve eats.’
She also laughed at her strict no screen-time rule, joking that she is now ‘best friends with Miss Rachel’ and could ‘audition for The Wiggles’.
Leah admitted her stance on sugar also changed, particularly during a family trip to Italy where her son enjoyed plenty of gelato and Nutella biscuits ‘to keep the peace’.
Another moment saw her reflect on confidently claiming she would take her baby everywhere.
‘Umm, no you’re not hon,’ she said.
‘You had postpartum anxiety for about six months and didn’t leave the house.’
Leah has built a large online following since August 2011, sharing fashion, beauty and lifestyle content with her audience.
She is also the founder of children’s swimwear brand Tini Togs and regularly documents her travels and experiences as a mother.
