Married At First Sight UK star Laura Vaughan has revealed she went through a devastating cryptic pregnancy — a condition where pregnancy goes undetected for months — and didn’t find out she was expecting until she was already in her third trimester.
The 35-year-old reality star, who appeared on the 2023 season of the show, opened up about the traumatic experience that took place in 2016. Speaking candidly, Laura explained that she had to undergo a late-term medical abortion after discovering that the acne medication she was taking — Isotretinoin — posed serious risks of birth defects.
“It was very difficult because I went from not thinking I was pregnant to being seven months pregnant, and then having a very prolonged abortion,” she told The Sun. “My milk came in after the procedure. It was unbearable. I didn’t talk to anyone for weeks.”
Laura said she initially sought medical advice for missing periods and stomach pain, but her GP attributed it to a ruptured ovarian cyst. She never imagined she was pregnant, especially as she was still fitting into size 6–8 dresses and using protection during intercourse.
“It was literally the week I decided to test that my stomach popped,” she recalled.
When she finally discovered the truth, doctors informed her that continuing the pregnancy posed extreme risks to the baby due to the medication’s side effects. The emotional and physical toll of the week-long procedure, paired with a lack of support from hospital staff, left her traumatised.
Despite keeping the ordeal private during her MAFS appearance, Laura admitted it resurfaced while discussing future children with her match, Arthur. Their relationship ultimately ended on the show.
Now in a new relationship, Laura has found peace in speaking out, hoping her story will help remove the stigma around abortions — especially those related to health complications.
