Love Island star Tink Reading has revealed she’s had emergency surgery after being diagnosed with a very rare type of pregnancy.
The 28-year-old took to Instagram tonight to tell her followers she had a molar pregnancy, which happens in less than one percent of pregnancies.
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She explained that the condition is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) where the fertilised egg doesn’t develop as expected.
Cells which usually form the placenta grow too quickly and form tumours which, if not removed, can become cancerous.
Tink had surgery under general anaesthetic just hours after learning she had the condition and admitted she had been “petrified”.
She wrote: “I don’t really know where to start when it comes to this post. I’ve been debating whether to say anything at all.
“Down to the fact of simple embarrassment, not wanting everyone to know my personal life business and the stigma that has evolved around these types of situations.
“However, if this post helps just one person going through a similar time, or even just the knowledge and awareness of what this is. well, then it’s worth it.”
In a series of pictures, Birmingham-based Tink could be seen in her hospital gown and then recovering at home.
Tink, who appeared in the ITV villa as a Casa Amor girl in 2023, said the surgery had been a success and she thanked her boyfriend and loved ones for their support.
She added that she now faces a wait to find out if the tumours are cancerous and what the follow up plan will be.
Her comments were inundated with well-wishes and messages of support.
Tink previously described herself as someone who likes to have fun and doesn’t take herself too seriously.
She said: “I can look cute and innocent but I do have a fiery side – if I have a problem I have no issue in saying it.”
The former project manager told how family, ambition and good manners are all important traits to her.
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What is a molar pregnancy?
A MOLAR pregnancy is a rare complication that happens by chance.
It is when there is a problem with a fertilised egg, which means a baby and a placenta do not develop in the way they should after conception.
Molar pregnancies may seem regular at first, but they cannot develop into a healthy baby.
They can be complete, when a sperm fertilises an empty egg that contains no genes from the woman and no parts of the baby form.
Or they can be partial, when two sperm fertilise the egg at the same time, so there is one set of female chromosomes and two sets of male chromosomes, and there may be some tissue that looks like a foetus.
Despite early signs of a baby, it cannot fully develop or survive.
In rare cases, a twin pregnancy will show a normal developing baby and a molar pregnancy at the same time.
For many women, it is possible for the pregnancy to continue. But if you have complications, it may not be able to. Speak to your doctor.
Source: NHS and Cancer Research UK