Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Gemma Atkinson at the Pride of Britain awards© Getty

Strictly's Gemma Atkinson shares hospital bed photo as she opens up about son's birth

Gemma and Gorka Marquez just welcomed their second child

Diane Shipley
Senior Online Writer
July 26, 2023
Share this:

Last week, Gemma Atkinson and her fiancé Gorka Marquez shared the happy news of the arrival of their son Thiago

On Wednesday, the proud mum-of-two opened up to her Instagram followers as she revealed the details of the newborn's birth story

The actress and presenter posted a photo of herself smiling in a hospital bed and wrote: "Lots of you have asked if I got my much hoped for VBAC [vaginal birth after caesarean section]… 

WATCH: Gemma Atkinson shares first video of baby boy with sister Mia

"This was me on Mon 17th July 3hrs after an elected C section. I didn't get my vaginal birth. My waters broke and I went into labour and stayed at home for as long as possible (it helped that the Wimbledon men's final was on!) 

Gemma Atkinson in a floral dress with Gorka Marquez in a white shirt© Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
Gemma and Gorka met on the set of Strictly

"My contractions got down to every 6 mins or so and then slowly just stopped. We headed into the hospital 24hrs after my waters broke as they had changed colour a little. Thiago had opened his bowels. Thanks son… [laughing emoji]." 

Gemma Atkinson smiling in a hospital bed© Instagram
Gemma Atkinson smiling in a hospital bed

She went on: "I was given the choice of the artificial hormone to induce labour again or a section. Weeks ago we said if it came down to that we would 100% go with the section. 

Gemma Atkinson in a white top with curly hair on Lorraine© Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
The star is very candid about her experiences

"I had the hormone injection with Mia and it was awful plus after that it ended up in an emergency C section and PPH anyway. This time was SO much more relaxed. 

A baby in a cot© Instagram
Gemma shared a photo of baby Thiago on Instagram

"It was actually a wonderful experience and it just so happened that the same surgeon who delivered Mia was on shift. So she delivered Thiago as well.

Gemma with partner Gorka and daughter Mia© Instagram
Gemma and Gorka with daughter Mia

"Of course recovery is still tough, it's a huge operation regardless, but I couldn't be happier in the outcome of how he arrived. It felt like somehow it was meant to be this way. 

My incredible mum has moved in this week while Gorka is away which me and Mia are loving. Although I have to keep reminding her to stop buying me pastries…" 

Gemma Atkinson shared news of her birth on Wednesday 19th July© Instagram
Gemma and Gorka before their new arrival

Gorka was among the first to respond, posting two red heart emojis and writing: "My super Mum". 

gemma wearing maxi dress and smiling © Instagram
The actress and presenter glowed throughout her pregnancy

His co-star and the couple's friend Janette Manrara, who is expecting her first baby with husband Aljaz Skorjanec, commented: "You are a superwoman, regardless of how he came into this world! So happy that he is well as are you! CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!!" 

READ: Gemma Atkinson reveals calling ambulance for daughter Mia in during last weeks of pregnancy

MORE: Emotional Gemma Atkinson reveals newborn son Thiago's touching connection to late father

One of Gemma's many fans sweetly chimed in: "You inspire so many. Your honesty is fabulous. Not many people get the birth of choice. It’s so hard to comprehend sometimes. Thank you for your honesty. What a wonderful family. Wishing you all the very best. X." 

Gemma atkinson baby name meaning © Instagram
Gemma revealed the meaning behind her baby boy's name

Earlier in the day, Gemma melted hearts with a brand-new video of her newborn son. Taking to Instagram Stories, the mother-of-two, 38, posted a precious video of her bundle of joy enjoying a bonding moment with his sister, Mia. 

In the heartwarming clip, Mia, four, could be seen gently cradling her baby brother whilst at home in Gemma and Gorka's plush Manchester home. Mia looked every inch the doting sister as she tended to Thiago whilst watching the TV.

Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Parenting

See more