Millie Radford, star of Channel 5's 22 Kids and Counting, has opened up about her "struggles" during her pregnancy with her fourth child with husband Harley Passmore.
The 24-year-old, who is the seventh child of Sue and Noel Radford, explained the pregnancy came as "a massive shock" as they were not actively trying for another baby.
"But a nice shock," she added to The Mirror, noting that Harley is thrilled about having another son to join Chester, four, alongside daughters Ophelia, five, and Elodie, two.
The baby is due in late September, though an early induction could bring the arrival forward to the beginning of that month.
Millie Radford with daughter Ophelia | INSTAGRAMMillie admitted the initial weeks proved particularly challenging, describing the first eight to ten weeks as "really, really bad" with severe symptoms affecting her ability to work and carry out everyday tasks.
The pregnancy has been classified as high-risk following complications during her previous birth, requiring Millie to attend hospital appointments every fortnight.
Her youngest daughter Elodie experienced tachycardia and calcification in the placenta, which caused the organ to stop functioning properly.
"Basically, I think my body just gave up a bit earlier than it should have," Millie explained, noting that Elodie arrived at 38 weeks.
Millie Radford with Noel Radford on her wedding day in November 2024 | INSTAGRAMThese concerns mean medical professionals are monitoring this pregnancy closely, with the possibility of inducing labour two weeks before the due date.
Despite the anxieties surrounding the birth, Millie confirmed this will definitely be her last pregnancy, stating that both she and Harley plan to undergo permanent contraception procedures once their son arrives.
"Four is definitely enough. I think I'll have my hands full," she said.
The couple experienced a brief separation earlier this year, which Millie described as "crazy" in its timing.
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"Harley had lost his job, and we were bickering about that," she revealed. "Then I found out about a week later that I was pregnant."
The unexpected news came during an already turbulent period, but the pair have since reconciled and found their rhythm as partners.
"We had a wobble, but we're a great team. Harley's the one for me," Millie said.
Their household operates with clearly defined responsibilities, with Millie working as a cleaner at a caravan park while Harley takes on the role of stay-at-home father.
Millie Radford, Harley Passmore and daughter Ophelia | INSTAGRAMShe joked that her husband still cannot operate a washing machine, though she praised his ability to maintain structure and routine with their children.
Growing up as part of Britain's largest family provided unique experiences, Millie reflected, recalling the morning chaos of getting everyone ready for school.
"Dad used to set off this big alarm in the morning to get the whole house up," she said, adding that bathroom queues were managed with timers.
She acknowledged that having so many younger siblings meant growing up faster than most children her age, as she helped her parents with childcare duties.
Looking ahead, Millie expressed interest in expanding her television career beyond the family show.
"Me and Harley love filming - it would be great to get our own show one day," she said, noting the value of having recorded memories to share with their children as they grow older.