Kate Ferdinand’s newborn daughter ‘rushed to doctors’ moments after her birth as star reveals terrifying health scare

KATE Ferdinand has revealed her newborn daughter Shae needed emergency treatment after she was born and they were forced to spend days apart.

Kate, 31, welcomed her second baby into the world with husband Rio, 44, in July.

The ex-Towie star returned to Instagram for the first time since announcing Shae's arrival, and told fans the tot had been born with the life-threatening infection congenital pneumonia.

She said: "10 weeks of Shae.

"Thank you for all checking in on me … we are both well, although she made quite the entrance into this world & gave us a fright being born with congenital pneumonia.

"Thankfully she recovered quickly but those first few days without my baby have really made me want to soak up every moment with her. I’m completely obsessed.

"So many ups and downs but I’m trying to get used to our new way of life & into a little routine (kinda).

"We did actually record some of our hospital stay but I’ve been a little anxious to share it as emotions are high. Maybe I’ll pluck up the courage soon. I hope you’re all well & thanks for bearing with me."

The star was inundated with messages of support from fans.

"Being away from your baby is hell," one person said.

"Sending you so much love as you navigate those feelings of grief, mixed in with all that joy."

Another said: "Congratulations. My son was born in may, also with congenital pneumonia. The worst time! He spent a week in intensive care."

And a third said: "I remember 24 years ago when my twins were born I came home without them for 2 weeks as they were in Special Care. I felt like I had lost my right arm. Stay strong and take care love to you all."

Kate revealed last year that she and Rio suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage 12 weeks into a pregnancy.

They already have son Cree, two, together, and Kate is stepmum to Rio’s three children Lorenz, 16, Tate, 14, and Tia, 11.

She met ex-Manchester United footballer Rio through mutual friends while holidaying in Dubai in 2016.

Her life was tipped on its head as she transitioned from bubbly party girl on The Only Way Is Essex to stepmum to three kids who were mourning their mum. 

The couple opened up about their struggles in the BBC documentary Rio And Kate: Becoming A Stepfamily in 2020.