Princess Eugenie nailed cool girl business chic in a classy high-street look for a day at work at Hauser & Wirth on Tuesday 14 October.

When doctors told me there was nothing they could do to save my baby, I had to make an impossible choice: end our baby’s life, knowing I’d never be pregnant again or continue a pregnancy knowing that my baby would never survive.

Four years on I still can’t comprehend how I walked into the operating theatre pregnant and left with nothing but silence.

Losing a baby is devastating in any circumstance, but when that loss comes through termination for medical reasons, it becomes something else entirely; a complex, lonely kind of grief that doesn’t quite fit anywhere. 

But, as Baby Loss Awareness Week comes to an end, we mustn’t exclude women like me. 

Our loss, our pain, is as valid as anyone’s.

I first learned that getting pregnant would be a struggle for me when I was 27 when, after a decade of fighting for a diagnosis, I was told that I suffer with severe stage 4 endometriosis – the most advanced stage of the disease which is characterised by deeper growths in the structures of the pelvis and abdomen such as the bowel, bladder, and blood vessels.

As a result, my organs had been compromised by the disease and my fertility destroyed.

If I ever wanted to have a baby, IVF would be my only option. It was an overwhelming reality to comprehend, but I still had hope.

However, when my husband and I started our self-funded fertility journey in 2018, when I was 32, it was a struggle from the start.

For four years we endured round after round of hope, hormones, scans and tears. Each negative pregnancy test was another blow emotionally and financially.

Eventually though, on our sixth cycle, having spent approximately £54,000, we saw those two pink lines appear on a test. It was such a shock.

At first, the pregnancy was relatively easy as I didn’t suffer from morning sickness or fatigue, but I remained cautious, never allowing myself to think beyond each week.

That caution led me to get a private scan at 18 weeks – at which the sonographer flagged an issue with the baby’s bladder and advised me to get in touch with my midwife.

After begging the maternity team to give me my 20 week scan early, we learned the devastating news that our baby had Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) – a rare condition where an obstruction in the urethra makes it difficult for urine to pass from the bladder causing kidney damage and preventing the lungs from developing.

The damage to our baby’s kidneys was so extensive that I was told they wouldn’t survive and that I’d have to make the decision no parent should ever face; to end our baby’s life.

For me, this decision was made harder by the fact I knew there would be no ‘next time’, no rainbow baby, no second chance. This was it. 

In having a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) I was effectively closing the door on my chance to ever carry my own child, for good.

The pain was overwhelming but I chose our child’s peace over my pain, and I have never regretted it.

Language immediately turned clinical – where everyone had been saying ‘baby’, now, suddenly, doctors referred to it as a ‘foetus’ and the warmth disappeared. It wasn’t meant to be cruel, but it stung.

I also wanted reassurance, someone to tell me it was the right thing to do. But it never came.

Doctors can only tell you the risks, odds, and facts of your baby’s diagnosis, they can’t decide for you. I understood why, but it didn’t make it any easier to have to find that comfort within myself. 

Even after I’d made that painful ‘choice’ though, things were far from smooth. 

Due to my complicated gynaecological history, I was advised to not give birth naturally. But when it came to TFMR, my hospital refused a surgical termination beyond 14 weeks – I was 21 weeks pregnant.

Despite the baby loss charity, Tommy’s saying before 24 weeks you should be given the option, I was simply told they ‘did not perform that procedure’ and that only select hospitals would provide a surgical termination at that point.

I was then referred to an abortion clinic for a medical termination by my hospital – let’s be clear though, a TFMR is not a choice, it’s a medical necessity – but they couldn’t help either because of complications relating to my endometriosis.

My only remaining option was to induce labour even though that could lead to serious complications. It took two weeks to find a hospital that was willing to take my case on and perform the surgical termination.

At the hospital, the heartbreak only worsened.

Keep up with the conversations shaping Britain

Hi, I’m Ross McCafferty, Metro’s acting first-person and opinion editor.

Here at Metro, we’re passionate about giving a platform to unheard voices. You can read more real-life stories like this one with our News Updates newsletter.

We help people from all walks of life tell stories that inspire, educate and spark change. Sign up now to read them.

First, I had to explain out loud at reception, surrounded by women cradling newborns, why I was there. It was cruel and yet another reminder that TFMR sits in the shadows of both maternity and miscarriage care. 

Then, after the surgery, my milk came in. I’d been told bleeding was expected, but no one had warned me about this painful and brutally ironic part. What’s worse, I later found out there’s medication to prevent it, but it was never offered to me. 

And, while in the throes of grief and recovery, I also had to choose what happened next: burial, cremation, or sensitive disposal by the hospital. This conversation, unsurprisingly, remains a complete blur to me.

As alone as I felt at the time though, my experience is not unique: each year, it’s estimated 5,000 women across the UK face the devastating reality of having to end a wanted pregnancy due to a severe medical diagnosis.

I hope care and support has improved since my experience, but despite its prevalence I know that the silence hasn’t changed.

Too often, women facing TFMR feel isolated, judged or left to navigate the system alone, but our loss is as valid as any. 

In fact, sometimes, resilience isn’t about holding on, it’s about knowing when to let go.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

King Charles’ niece Princess Beatrice proved her timeless style credentials in a 15-year-old Zara dress as she attended The Chancery Rosewood grand opening in London.

A doctor has shared the signs you could be dating someone with undiagnosed ADHD

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

America has plenty of beauty products we wish we had here in the UK, and every trip across the bond – no matter how infrequent – is always used as an opportunity to fill my boots.

From Crest Whitening Strips to over-the-counter retinoids, there‘s so much just out of our reach. One such product I always grab handfuls of when I can? Touchland Hand Sanitizer.

The spritzes come in a huge array of scents and, despite their $12 price tag, they make it hard to resist stocking up on.

But what if I told you that a UK brand had just brought out their own hand sanitiser spritzes to rival Touchland’s classic product? And that they would only set you back £7? And that they may even smell better?

Glow Hub Hand Sanitiser Cleansing Mist – Dopamine

Infused with hydrating glycerin to keep hands soft as you spritz, these sprays are first and foremost designed to sanitise your hands, eliminating germs without being drying or sticky. better still? They smell amazing.

shop £7

Cleansing, hydrating and scenting in one spritz, Glow Hub’s oh-so collectible Hand Sanitiser Cleansing Mists have a similar spray concept but boast a whole load of fun features that we can’t get enough of.

In an oval design, the sanitiser fits comfortably in your hand while looking simply adorable. We also love the key chain and charm feature that makes it simple to attach to your bag for easy access.

But potentially one of the biggest wins of these hand sanitisers are the scents. While they may currently only come in three, each is loud, sophisticated and addictive – easily able to be mistaken for an expensive perfume.

My favourite is Dopamine. Described as smelling of whimsical florals and wild spice, I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t wear this as a perfume. This hand sanitiser has me sniffing my hands all day long – and yes, the great smell actually lasts.

Alongside Hot Sauce, which boasts scents of decadent cherry and smoky musk, and Pipe Dream, which oozes citrus zest and forest air, these fragrances are really something special – especially for the affordable price.

But let’s get down to what these sprays actually do. Infused with hydrating glycerin to keep hands soft as you spritz, these sprays are first and foremost designed to sanitise your hands, eliminating germs without being drying or sticky.

This makes them perfect for keeping with you on everything from commutes to nights out, working to compliment your scent as they clean.

They even come with sticker packs to decorate your sanitiser. I mean c’mon. Glow Hub, you know what the people want.

And yes, I know I sound like a broken record, but these Glow Hub Hand Sanitiser Cleansing Mists are the best hand sanitisers I’ve ever smelled – and I’m an avid sanitiser.

Dare I say better than Touchland? Get yours and we can discuss.

Cute, affordable and handy to boot, these hand sanitisers are going to be your next obsession, I promise you.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: Suede season is here – these are the key pieces to add to your wardrobe this autumn

MORE: ‘Couldn’t feel my legs!’ This Ann Summers sex toy is giving customers the most intense orgasms

MORE: Kim Kardashian’s favourite Armani foundation now has 20% off at LookFantastic

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

If you’ve been watching this season of The Traitors and are secretly more obsessed with Claudia Winkleman’s grunge-meets-countryside chic wardrobe than the backstabbing drama, you’re not alone.

From her Highland-style tweed jackets to those dramatic cuffs and cosy knits, Claudia’s fashion moments have become just as iconic as the show itself. 

And we’d just like to take a moment to thank her stylist, Sinead McKeefry, for delivering some seriously inspirational looks. 

Hunter Women’s Refined Riding Tall Wellington Boot

Hunter’s Women’s Refined Riding Tall Wellington Boot are the exact ones worn by Claudia Winkleman on The Traitors. They have a sleek, slim-fit, glossy matte finish and with fewer rubber layers, they have a much lighter feel. They’re fully waterproof and perfect for wet weather and fit true to size – but go up if you’re in between sizes.

Buy Now for £145

But while Holland Cooper jackets and Brora Fashion knits have become staple items in her Traitors wardrobe, there’s one item that truly stands out – Claudia’s knee-high welly boots.

And now, we’ve tracked them down.

Claudia’s exact boots are the Hunter Women’s Refined Riding Tall Wellington Boots – a cool and sleek, equestrian-inspired design from the classic British brand known for making wellies look seriously stylish. And yes, they’re still available to buy!

Designed with a slimmer fit, tailored topline, and a matte two-tone finish, these handmade boots are constructed using fewer rubber layers, making them lighter, more comfortable, and ideal for stomping through woodland paths, muddy fields or, in Claudia’s case, a misty Scottish castle.

They’re also fully waterproof, so you’ll stay dry whatever the weather. 

According to Hunter, they fit true to size, but if you’re between sizes or have wider feet, it’s recommended to size up for the perfect fit. The brand also advises wearing them with socks to protect your skin from direct contact with the rubber.

Wear them like Claudia with leggings or thick tights, an oversized coat, and plenty of cosy knitwear for that perfect Traitors-chic look.

Power dressing, Highland style? Consider it sorted. 

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: From whacky to wonderful – these are the 24 Christmas decorations our shopping expert loves

MORE: From H&M boots to Mango coats – here’s everything our shopping expert is buying this weekend

MORE: Burgundy is autumn’s biggest fashion trend – these are the items we’re shopping

When Ollie Ruscoe was growing up, his dad Simon had been very hands-on.

The pair loved playing football in the garden or going swimming together, and Simon was always there for his son whenever he needed him – whether it was for a lift or a chat. 

However, over the past decade, that relationship has reversed, and Ollie has stepped into a caregiving role years before his time.

The first signs that something was seriously wrong appeared 10 years ago when the Ruscoe family were out picking up a new sofa for Ollie’s room.

Simon was driving while mum Emma, was in the front reading the route.

‘She told him to take the next left three times and he kept getting it wrong. That’s when I knew something was up. He was normally really good with directions,’ Ollie, now 24, remembers.

‘It was hard. His personality changed. He became really quiet and stopped going out with friends or to football. And he had all these made-up phrases he’d use – then he just stopped saying them. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but looking back, I can’t believe I didn’t see it sooner.’

Emma had already been spotting the signs for months. Once confident and capable around the house, one day Simon picked up a drill to hang a picture and stared at it blankly, as though he’d never seen one before.

‘I remember once we were nearly in a crash because he didn’t stop at a junction,’ Ollie tells Metro.

Simon became forgetful, arguments at home increased and in 2018, a psychologist blamed stress. In January, 2020, Simon was finally diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of just 55.

It was a heartbreaking blow to the family. When Emma told Ollie the news, he went quiet; he didn’t know what Alzheimer’s was or what the implications were.

Today, Ollie lives with his parents in Solihull and works full time as an office administrator. The family follows a strict timetable to ensure Simon is never alone. His older brother Alex, 28, helps out frequently as he lives ten minutes drive away, and during the day, their dad attends a care centre. But outside of that, dementia dictates the rhythm of their lives.

The family can’t all go out at the same time, and Ollie frequently misses out on last-minute pub trips or spontaneous invites – the stuff people in their twenties usually take for granted.

‘There’s a lot of sacrifice, and it can be hard. But I know some people have it worse,’ Ollie says.

Recently,Simon’s decline has accelerated. He no longer speaks, though he still laughs and responds when people talk to him. The most difficult moments are when he becomes aggressive, a common symptom of the disease.

‘You can’t have a conversation. He can walk and pick things up, but he won’t remember doing it. At weekends we watch football, and in summer we sit outside with the dog. Winter’s harder when we’re stuck indoors,’ explains Ollie.

‘We do everything for him now: dressing, showering, going to the toilet, making a cup of tea. He can’t even make himself a drink. But he’s happy – you can tell he’s happy. That makes it worth it.

‘Even if it’s just little things like when he’s falling asleep in the car after I’ve picked him up from the care home. I know I’ve brought him home safely and he trusts me.’

The disease has been unpredictable and though the family have tried to fill recent years with trips away and fun events, it’s been incredibly difficult for Emma and her sons.

‘You never know what’s coming. Day to day feels normal, but when you look back, you realise how much you’ve lost,’ adds Ollie. ‘When he was first diagnosed, he could walk around a buffet on holiday in Mexico. Now I couldn’t imagine that.’

Keep up with the conversations shaping Britain

Hi, I’m Claie Wilson, Metro’s deputy editor.

At Metro, we’re passionate about giving a platform to unheard voices. You can read more real-life stories like this one with our News Updates newsletter.

We help people from all walks of life tell stories that inspire, educate and spark change. Sign up now to read them.

Ollie lists the milestones missed: his first legal pint in a pub with his dad, learning to drive with him, going to football games – and just chatting. ‘It’s the talking and the laughs I miss most’, he says sadly.

Still, Simon recognises him. He laughs, hugs, and lights up around people.

Ollie admits it’s been hard watching his mum struggle. And, at first, seeing his friends with their parents in good health was really tough, but they have been a good support to him and always understand why he may have to cancel social plans or miss out on important events.

This month, Ollie and family friend Jimmy are running 48 miles in 48 hours around Solihull to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society, in honour of Simon, who was always the first to go the extra mile for others.

‘I’m trying to run as far as I can on Friday 24 October, then all day Saturday, sticking to normal eating and sleeping. On Sunday 26, we’ll finish at a restaurant we always go to, with friends, family, and Dad will be there to meet me,’ Ollie says.

It’s a poignant date – Sunday will be Simon’s birthday and the timing marks ten years since the family first spotted signs of change.

Ollie is new to running – his longest distance so far is 15km – but that’s part of the point, he says.

‘I want it to be hard. Obviously, what my dad is going through is impossible to match, but I want it to be challenging.’ He has raised over £1,000 but is hoping to double this. However, it’s about more than fundraising, says Ollie.

‘I’m learning a lot more about dementia. One in three people will be diagnosed with it. It’s the biggest killer in the UK, and if Dad didn’t have it, I wouldn’t have known that. So I want to raise awareness.’

Seeing his father every day sometimes masks how much he’s changing. ‘But when I look at old photos or think about holidays, it hits me. He’s slipping away.’

Despite everything, Ollie has put his life on hold without complaint. Instead of moving in with his partner Chloe, he’s prioritising caring for his dad. Chloe, he says, has been hugely supportive.

‘Dad was always there for me growing up, so I’m glad to be here for him now,’ adds Ollie. ‘I wasn’t given a choice – but I wouldn’t change anything. I’m treating him the way he taught me to treat others.’

 Oliver Ruscoe is fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society

Standing in her bathroom, eyes fixed on the pregnancy test in her hand, Jodie Marie felt a rush of shock and joy as two unmistakable red lines appeared.

She and her partner had decided to start trying for their first child just a month before, and they were both surprised to have already conceived. But amid their excitement, Jodie had another aspect of her life to consider: her ADHD medication.

She’d been diagnosed with the condition in July 2024 and prescribed Elvanse, a form of stimulant used to treat it, in September 2024.

During an appointment in January, she told her healthcare professionals that she was intending to start a family this year. She was all cleared to continue taking Elvanse, but when she first learned about her pregnancy, her decision was cemented: from that day forward, she wouldn’t be taking it.

During that initial appointment, her prescriber had told her that, if she were to become pregnant, it would ultimately be her choice as to whether she continued to take the meds or not.

But after she was told that there’s still a relative level of uncertainty surrounding the meds, she decided it was time for a break.

Dr Tom Pennybacker, consultant psychiatrist and co-founder of the Chelsea Psychology Clinic, tells Metro that there’s still limited data on how safe it is to take ADHD medication throughout pregnancy.

Dr Tom says that there isn’t currently evidence that stimulants are harmful during pregnancy, but equally, there isn’t ‘enough data to say they’re completely safe.’

‘Because of this uncertainty, the usual advice is to stop where possible, though in some cases women may continue under specialist supervision if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks,’ he explains.

‘What matters most is having an open and early conversation with your prescribing clinician, so that decisions are individualised and carefully weighed.’

Now eight months pregnant, Jodie is still off her usual medication.

‘There was such a lack of definitive answer out there for me, and I always knew that the health of my baby had to come first,’ the 28-year-old, who lives in Surrey and was also diagnosed with autism as a child, tells Metro.

‘I was diagnosed with ADHD at 27. I’d gone that long without medication, and so I thought, if I’ve done 27 years, I’m sure I can do nine months now.’

‘I get distracted by a million things’

Throughout her pregnancy, Jodie recognises that she’s been ‘very fortunate’ for it to have been relatively smooth sailing. However, life without her medication has had its difficulties.

‘I’ve really noticed a difference in my ability to sit and concentrate and focus on something for a long period of time. I’ll sit and do something for two minutes, and I’m then picking up my phone, going to the kitchen, and getting distracted by a million other things,’ the complaints manager says.

After she was diagnosed and started medication initially, Jodie realised just how challenging even small things had been for her previously.

Thanks to that first tiny blue pill, she could finally sit and concentrate, ‘getting things done’ without losing an hour of time into thin air.

Likewise, throughout her pregnancy, she’s noticed that the ‘intense food noise’ has slowly crept back into her life.

‘It’s eating a meal and then thinking, “what am I going to eat next? Where am I going to get that from?” I’m wanting to snack constantly, and again, I think that’s because I’m looking for dopamine,’ she reflects.

Initially, she put this down to her baby bump – but as time has gone on, she doesn’t believe ‘it’s to do with the pregnancy at all.’

‘I’m finding it very difficult. I’m searching for dopamine in food that I just don’t need, hunger-wise,’ she explains, noting the difference between regular pregnancy cravings and a potential lack of ADHD medication.

‘Mentally, that’s a difficult battle because I don’t know if I’m eating because I’m hungrier during pregnancy or because I’m searching for a lack of dopamine. It’s played a part in my difficulty with my body image.’

‘Combining that with your usual pregnancy symptoms of feeling fatigued and achy, it makes it harder at work. If I could have kept on taking it, I would have, but I couldn’t take the risk.’

Luckily, as a manager, Jodie has autonomy over her work days. She works from home and finds that she’s able to give herself a bit of extra ‘grace’ when she needs it – something her seniors have signed off on.

‘I’ll force myself into that focused state with things like Pomodoro Timers, but again, setting those doesn’t stop you from picking up your phone if you’re getting distracted,’ she notes, adding that her colleagues have been supportive of both her pregnancy and her choice to stay off the medication for now.

Now that motherhood is almost upon her, Jodie feels eternally grateful – and excited – for the future. But she can’t help but feel that society still doesn’t give ADHD and pregnancy the time and research it deserves.

‘I don’t feel that society knows enough about ADHD at all, never mind how it can present in women specifically and how it can impact them during pregnancy,’ Jodie says.

‘We’re given the stereotypical presentations in young boys, but not so much information on the nuances the diagnosis can present for women.’

Despite the difficulties that living without the medication for now has brought, Jodie doesn’t regret it for an instant.

‘I’m so grateful to have been blessed with a healthy pregnancy. I do wish there were a way to have both, but until that time, I will always be glad I put my baby boy’s health before any need of my own,’ she concludes.

‘My time to take ADHD medications again will be here before I know it, and pregnancy is such a short timeframe in comparison to the rest of my life.’

Outside of pregnancy, ADHD in women is still chronically underdiagnosed and under-researched: the ADHD Foundation estimates that between 50 and 70% of the 1,000,000 women in the UK living with ADHD remain undiagnosed.

Jodie isn’t alone. TikTok reveals swathes of people with ADHD discussing the intricacies of pregnancy. One post from @harliebriggsart shows her nursing her blossoming bump, but her joy has bittersweet undertones: ‘Happily growing my baby, but my brain is so loud and difficult without my ADHD medication. It’s quite a struggle.’

@flourishwithadhd adds: ‘When I first got pregnant, I thought I was going to burn my business to the ground.’ She’d spent five years being ‘fully medicated,’ and going from that to nothing at all within ‘the span of a day was rough.’

‘Pregnancy is beautiful but not always easy. Nobody talks about how hard it is to go off ADHD meds while growing a tiny human…brain fog, nausea, emotions, and all,’ @jayhiltt writes. ‘But we do it all for our babies.’

Do people always stop taking ADHD medication throughout pregnancy?

It’s worth noting that there are lots of different types of ADHD medications – some of which are stimulants, and some of which aren’t.

Forms commonly prescribed to adults by the NHS include methylphenidate (which includes brand names like Ritalin and Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine (including Elvanse), while non-stimulants cover drugs like atomoxetine and guanfacine, often recommended for those who either struggle with the side effects of stimulants or simply don’t want to be on them.

Even without ADHD, pregnancy brings considerable hormonal shifts, particularly in oestrogen and progesterone. As Dr Tom explains, oestrogen is actually responsible for supporting dopamine activity in the brain – and this is ‘closely tied to attention and executive function.’

People with ADHD are also naturally deficient in it and so might seek dopamine hits externally – whether from caffeine, sugar highs, exercise, or scrolling on social media – particularly without medication.

He says: ‘When levels fluctuate, it can worsen difficulties with focus, organisation and mood regulation – things already challenging in ADHD.’

Some people also might also decide alongside their doctors to continue taking medication, and it’s important to note that all of these pathways are valid.

Much like women shouldn’t be shamed if they choose to drink a small amount of caffeine throughout their pregnancies, the same is true of meds.

Research does suggest that the majority of women do choose to come off their medication throughout pregnancy, as one 2023 study by ADDitude saw 2% of respondents (who had previously been pregnant) continue to take their meds. Some were worried about the impact it could have on their baby’s health, while others simply weren’t diagnosed at the time.

‘We need more open dialogue’

Every person with ADHD is different, and the same goes for every pregnant person with ADHD. Dr Tom says that having strong support structures – whether at home or in the workplace – can ‘make a big difference’ to mental and emotional wellbeing throughout these nine months.

For those who might’ve chosen not to take their meds during pregnancy and are subsequently struggling, he suggests leaning into both ‘structure and routine wherever possible.’

Above all, though, it’s critical to always keep in touch with the healthcare professionals responsible for diagnosing and prescribing in the first place, who’ll be able to adjust plans. Medication should never be tampered with without it being signed off by a doctor first.

Looking to the future, Dr Tom hopes to encourage more ‘open dialogue’ as well as research into ADHD and pregnancy. In his view, it ‘isn’t spoken about enough.’

‘Women are often left feeling like they must choose between their own wellbeing and their baby’s, which is a huge emotional burden,’ he concludes.

‘No woman should feel she has to navigate this alone. ADHD and pregnancy is a complex area, but with good communication and tailored support, women can find safe and workable ways through it.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

A couples therapist has answered some commonly-asked questions about relationships, including why people cheat and whether you should really fess up to infidelity

The Princess of Wales underwent the quickest outfit change into full country girl chic as she swapped her knee-high boots and smart coat dress into flat boots while visiting Mallon Farm, a flax farm in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.