Stacey Dooley Shares Emotional Journey After Ectopic Pregnancy

Stacey Dooley, the acclaimed documentary maker, recently revealed her emotional experience following an ectopic pregnancy last year. The 38-year-old television personality, known for her candidness, spoke about her struggles during an episode of her series, Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over, which airs on the U channel.

During her visit with Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, the UK’s first legally recognised gay father, Dooley opened up about her desire to expand her family. While exploring the topic of surrogacy, she acknowledged that her views differ from Drewitt-Barlow’s, particularly regarding his belief in aesthetic preferences for children.

In a heartfelt moment, Stacey shared her personal journey, stating, “I have experienced what it is like to struggle to have a child. We obviously wanted to expand our family and last year I fell pregnant and it didn’t go brilliantly.” She then disclosed the challenges she faced, saying, “It was ectopic… I am so sorry because this is so predictable. I am sat here crying on a bed. It was ectopic and it was really f***ing difficult.”

According to the NHS, an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, often in a fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy affects approximately 1 in 90 pregnancies in the UK and cannot be saved once detected. Dooley described the severe impact of her condition, which required emergency surgery due to an internal rupture.

Stacey’s vulnerability extends beyond her pregnancy struggles. Earlier this year, during a conversation on the Parenting Hell podcast with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe, she addressed the impact of parenthood on her personal life. She noted that her intimacy with husband Kevin Clifton has taken a back seat since the birth of their daughter, Minnie, in January 2023.

Dooley explained, “Minnie is in our bed. I am sort of not really ar**d. I know there’s such emphasis on getting kids in their own bed, but I think it’s because Kev is away so much anyway.” She expressed a desire to reconnect with her partner, indicating that their situation might change when Clifton is more present.

For those affected by similar issues, support is available through the Miscarriage Association. Individuals can reach out to them at 01924 200799 or via email at [email protected]. Dooley’s openness about her experiences highlights the emotional complexities surrounding pregnancy and parenthood, resonating with many who face similar challenges.