Chas, played by Lucy Pargeter, is expecting a baby with fiancé Paddy Kirk, and in a recent episode attended a scan without her partner.
In heartbreaking scenes, Chas finds out her baby could have bilateral renal agenesis, a condition which means the baby’s kidneys have failed to develop.
Chas’ doctor tells her: “We should be able to see the baby’s kidney showing at this stage, unfortunately they and the bladder have failed to develop.
She added: “Without fully developed lungs your baby cannot survive.”
“This results in anhydramnios which has severe consequences for the development of the fetus. The compression of the fetus by the uterine wall and the lack of liquor results in a sequence of abnormalities including pulmonary hypoplasia, severe talipes and limb contractures from reduced movement, typical facies, and growth restriction.”
What happens if bilateral renal agenesis is confirmed?
The NHS explain that is bilateral renal agenesis is diagnosed, “neonatal death as a result of pulmonary hypoplasia is inevitable.”
Some cases of babies with bilateral renal agenesis will miscarry or be stillborn.
They add: “The vast majority of babies that are born alive do not live beyond a few hours.”
Seeking help
If you have been affected by the illness, or have lost a child to bilateral renal agenesis, you can turn to charity Antenatal Results and Choices for support.
Their helpline, website and email offers: “support to parents before, during and after antenatal screening and diagnostic tests, especially those parents making difficult decisions about testing, or about continuing or ending a pregnancy after a diagnosis.”
Reaction from viewers
Many viewers have praised the soap for bringing the illness to light.
One fan commented: “Well done to @emmerdale for tackling another massive issue based storyline. Chas finding out her baby has Bilateral Renal Agenesis was absolutely heartbreaking but I know @lucyparge is going to be amazing through all of this.. #emmerdale.”
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