Call the Midwife's Helen George talks openly about delivering daughter Wren Ivy six weeks early due to 'horrific' pregnancy complications

Published: 18:14 GMT, 17 December 2017 | Updated: 08:44 GMT, 18 December 2017

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Helen George has revealed she suffered from a 'horrific illness' during her pregnancy which caused her to deliver daughter Wren Ivy early.

The Call the Midwife star, 33, gave birth in October, reportedly six weeks before her due date.

While baby Wren is said to be healthy, Helen went through a traumatic ordeal after finding out she had developed a liver condition called ICP (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy)

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Thankful: Helen George has revealed she suffered from a 'horrific illness' during her pregnancy which caused her to deliver daughter Wren Ivy six weeks early

Talking to Event Magazine, the former Strictly contestant said she had delivered her daughter two days after finding out about the illness through a number of blood tests.

She said: 'The side effects are mainly a really strong sense of itching. I was scratching myself so much I had bruises all over my body.

'It's awful. It can drive women to suicide in some cases. It's a horrific illness.'

ICP causes a build up of acid within the body, and can pass into the placenta and impact the growing baby. With the condition, there's a higher risk of stillbirth and a potentially dangerous childbirth.

Newborn: While baby Wren is said to be healthy, Helen went through a traumatic ordeal after finding out she had developed a liver condition called ICP (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy)

Helen is now a patron of ICP Support, who she credits with helping her when living dealing with the condition.

Despite the ordeal, the Red Dwarf star beamed as she and boyfriend, Call the Midwife co-star Jack Ashton, showed off their newborn at their baby shower in October, where she also sparked engagement rumours by flaunting a giant diamond on her ring finger.

Helen shared a photo of their first child with followers on picture messaging service Instagram, captioning the shot: 'When your baby turns up early for her own baby shower, welcome to the world little one.'

Happy news: Helen George has given birth to a baby girl with Call the Midwife co-star Jack Ashton, more than a month earlier than expected

Helen added: 'What an amazing day, we have the best friends.'

The blonde bombshell looked radiant as she shared a selection of snaps from the celebration, with her newborn daughter taking centre stage.

One sweet image shows a beaming Helen protectively cradling her baby daughter while partner Jack cuts a celebratory cake as a small group of friends look on.

Delighted: The actress, 33, confirmed the news on Monday evening by sharing a photo of their first child with followers on picture messaging service Instagram

In the pictures, Helen also sports a large diamond on her ring finger, sparking engagement rumours with her boyfriend of 18 months.

Earlier this year, Jack - who plays Reverend Tom Hereward alongside Helen's Trixie Franklin - reflected on his relationship with his co-star after their characters split on the BBC show.

Speaking to breakfast show Lorraine, he said: 'That's the confusing bit - as long as I know where we're going.'

Wedding bells? In the pictures, Helen also sports a large diamond on her ring finger, sparking engagement rumours with her boyfriend of 18 months

Asked when they began to date, he revealed that they got close in April, when the pair were abroad filming the Call The Midwife Christmas special.

'It blossomed in South Africa I think, around that time,' he explained.

As Lorraine told him that she met her cameraman husband at work, Jack reasoned that it's tough to meet anyone outside their field.

Family fun: Helen shared snaps surrounded by friends and family as she attended her baby shower with her newborn baby girl

'It's the long hours,' he claimed. 'It's where you meet people.'

Helen previously revealed her baby bump at the TV Choice Awards in September, before sharing images of the baby gifts she had received from cast-mates prior to her maternity leave.

'Beautiful send off from the best crew #callthemidwife - no plans to leave the show just a bit of time off,' she captioned the shot, adding: 'And the sex will be a surprise to us all. Boys can wear pink too.'