Emily Atack Reveals Secret Post-Birth Health Battle: Actress Opens Up About Sepsis and Body Trauma After Giving Birth

Rivals star Emily Atack has revealed she suffered from sepsis after the birth of her son in 2024 and she was 'trolled' for being 'too skinny'
Rivals star Emily Atack has revealed she suffered from sepsis after the birth of her son in 2024 and she was ‘trolled’ for being ‘too skinny’

Emily Atack has revealed that she secretly battled sepsis following the birth of her son Barney in 2024, which contributed to her slimmer appearance. The 36-year-old actress, best known for her role in Rivals, shared candid details of the physical and emotional toll of her first pregnancy and postnatal recovery.

She said: 'I went through a very difficult pregnancy. I was very ill after the birth. I had sepsis, I couldn't leave the house for weeks. It was awful'
She said: ‘I went through a very difficult pregnancy. I was very ill after the birth. I had sepsis, I couldn’t leave the house for weeks. It was awful’

Speaking to Grazia magazine, Emily explained that the pregnancy and birth were extremely challenging, leaving her unable to leave the house for several weeks. She said, “My body holds all my trauma as well as my happiness and joy. I went through a very difficult pregnancy. I was very ill after the birth. I had sepsis, I couldn’t leave the house for weeks. It was awful.”

The actress said: 'I was trolled for being enormous when I was pregnant and I'm now trolled for having lost weight'
The actress said: ‘I was trolled for being enormous when I was pregnant and I’m now trolled for having lost weight’

In addition to her health struggles, Emily has faced online criticism about her changing physique. She addressed speculation about using weight loss injections, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding. “Women’s bodies change all the time. I am so done with defending it,” she said.

Reflecting on her postpartum experience, Emily discussed the pressure on new mothers to quickly return to pre-pregnancy shapes, despite the immense physical effort involved in childbirth. She highlighted the often-overlooked milestones of creating and nurturing life, stating, “Are you kidding? I’ve just created a human, I am exhausted! The last thing I want to do is go to the gym, but the first thing you’re expected to do is get back into shape. Where’s the congratulations for being a mother?”

Emily has always maintained a healthy relationship with her body but noted that public scrutiny intensified after her breakout role as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners. She recalled, “Everybody started talking about my weight. There was a whole Facebook page dedicated to me/Charlotte Hinchcliffe. I couldn’t believe how awful it was.” Despite the trolling, Emily continues to focus on enjoying her life and embracing her journey as a new mother.

Now healthier, Emily looks forward to her upcoming wedding with fiancé Alistair Garner in September. She continues to advocate for body positivity and understanding for mothers navigating the complex postnatal period, encouraging women to prioritize health, joy, and self-care over societal pressures.

Source: https://www.dailymail.com/tvshowbiz/article-15849013/Rivals-Emily-Atack-suffered-sepsis-birth-son-trolled-skinny.html