Woman with rare disability gives birth

A woman living with a rare disability has defeated the odds and given birth to a baby girl.
Hira Ahmad was diagnosed with Bruck syndrome; only 50 cases of the health condition have been recorded across the world.
The 28-year-old has brittle bones, restricted growth and uses a wheelchair.
Ever since she can remember Ahmad has had to attend hospital visits every three months where doctors assessed her disability, but the last time she was on a ward was for a much more enjoyable reason.
Nobody thought she would be able to give birth to a healthy baby, but she has recently become a proud mum to a beautiful little girl called Dua.
Mrs Ahmad, from Wandsworth, London, told PA news agency: "People doubt on you... they will say 'you won't be able to have a baby, it'll be very difficult for you'.
"But I just want to put out there that no matter what, don't lose your hope.
"I want my baby girl to go out there and explain to people that my mum is someone who had Bruck Syndrome and is a wheelchair user full time. She's got brittle bones, but she still managed to deliver me in the safest way.
"I want her to look up to me and have that inspiration from her mother."
Ahmad, an insurance officer at Wandsworth Council, had foetal testing to see if Dua would go on to develop brittle bone disease. When she was told her daughter would not have the condition Ahmad had “tears of happiness in my eyes”.
Before she gave birth doctors at St George’s Hospital ran a simulated theatre trial to ensure Ahmad would lie in a safe position and not break any bones.
Ahmad went into labour early at 36 weeks, she gave birth without complications on 29 January 2022.
Although the new mum is the first to admit she has struggled over the past few months.
"In the beginning it was very difficult... holding a tiny baby and pushing yourself in a wheelchair from one room to the other," she said.
"I couldn't do it on my own of course... I have to have my husband's help or my mum's help always around me for me to be able to cater to her needs."
Asked if Dua could have a brother or a sister in a few years Ahmad remained optimistic.
"Maybe when Dua is at an age where we can manage her, maybe later on in life," she said.
"I really want to, but I'll have to look at my health at that time and make the decision later on."
A doctor told Hira Ahmad when she was 12 she would be able to get pregnant.