EastEnders’ Lacey Turner reveals ‘difficult’ pregnancy after heartbreaking miscarriages stopped her feeling ‘excited’
IT had always been Lacey Turner's dream to become a mother, but after two devastating miscarriages she feared it would never become a reality.
The heartbroken EastEnders actress was left feeling confused and on edge after doctors failed to explain why she had lost two unborn babies - both at seven weeks old.
So when Lacey fell pregnant again she worried history would repeat itself.
But thankfully it was third time lucky for the 31-year-old, who gave birth to a healthy baby girl called Dusty in July 2019.
Celebrating Fabulous's Mum of the Year competition, Lacey said: "I found pregnancy quite difficult as I couldn’t allow myself to be excited because of previous experiences, so it seemed very long.
"I was fascinated with my body and the changes it made and how incredible it is, but I also found the adjustments very hard at times especially towards the end."
Lacey is currently on maternity leave from her role on the BBC One soap.
She has played feisty Stacey Fowler on the BBC One show since 2004 - but Lacey insists being a mum is the toughest role she's ever had.
"Being a mother is by far the hardest job I have ever done in my life," she said.
"But it's also the best thing in the world.
"It has changed me because it makes you see everything differently.
"It highlights what’s important and what isn’t! I think I’m much more chilled out now I’m a mother.
"Somehow we manage to juggle everything and everyone and yet we still feel guilty for certain things.
"I think until you have done it you can’t understand how challenging it is yet so rewarding."
"I think every mother out there is amazing and deserves all the recognition out there," Lacey added as she backs Fabulous's Mum of the Year competition to reward deserving mums.
When asked what advice she'd give herself as she looks back on her first seven months as a mum, Lacey added: "If you are offered help take it and sleep whenever you can!
"I have been really lucky Dusty is a dream and I have an amazing support system of family and friends.
"I think the most challenging thing about the early days is the sleep deprivation! Everything seems so much harder when you're so tired.
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"Things that have a simple solution your brain just doesn’t function the same as a rested brain."
Like most new parents, Lacey has relied on her own mother to give her tips as she gets to grips with parenthood.
"I take her advice on everything," she said.
"She was the best mother to me and my sisters and is the best nanna. She's my best friend."
Unfortunately for Lacey's troubled character on EastEnders, Stacey is going through a rough time.
She's currently in hiding after she fled Albert Square to escape Phil Mitchell - who she attacked with a spanner.
Stacey left him for dead after finding him choking her husband Martin in the Arches.
Fans are desperate for her return, but Lacey says she is enjoying the time she's got at home with her baby Dusty and husband Matt Kay for now.
"I think it will be hard to go back to work as much as I’m looking forward to working again," she admits.
"I will miss Dusty because you get so used to spending all day every day together. She’s great company."