EastEnders: Whitney Dean Discovers Devastating News About Her Unborn Baby

Whitney Dean was left distraught in EastEnders on Wednesday night after discovering devastating news about her unborn baby.

The character, played by Shona McGarty, had gone to the hospital for a checkup after bleeding during her pregnancy.

Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), went with her and they were both shocked to be told after a series of tests that the doctor was concerned about their baby and her health.

The doctor revealed that her baby, whom she is expecting with Zack Hudson (James Farrar), has an omphalocele, a condition that means some of her organs are growing outside of her body.

Whitney then broke down in tears when told her son might have a genetic condition that was causing it, which could mean he wouldn’t survive.

It comes as it’s revealed that bosses are working closely with Antenatal Results and Choices and SOFT UK, as Whitney’s baby will later be revealed to have Edwards syndrome.

Edwards syndrome is a rare but serious genetic condition, and 95 percent of babies with the disorder die before birth, while those who are born tend to die within minutes.

If a baby survives, symptoms may include llow birth weight, cleft lip or palate, hkidney and ear problems, hernias, bone abnormalities, frequent urinary and lung infections, and severe learning disabilities.

Jan Fowler, President of SOFT UK, said: “At SOFT UK, we support families affected by Edwards or Patau syndrome and were pleased to be able to work with the EastEnders team on how to address the diagnosis story of Whitney and Zack’s baby. of Edwards Syndrome in a precise and sensitive manner.

‘About 3 in 10,000 UK births are affected by Edwards syndrome each year and many parents contact SOFT for help.

‘We offer parents comprehensive advice and support, whether they decide to terminate or continue their pregnancy.

“We also support families whose living children have Edwards or Patau.”

It comes after Zack is diagnosed with HIV and continues to hide it from Whitney.

Emotional: The doctor revealed that her baby has an omphalocele, a condition that means some of her organs are growing outside her body (pictured on show)

Zack was visited by an old friend named Brett (Fabrizio Santino), who urged Zack to get tested after learning he has the virus himself.

The plot comes more than 30 years after BBC Soap tackled Mark Fowler’s groundbreaking story, in which the market trader was diagnosed with the virus in 1991, before dying of an AIDS-related illness 13 years later.

EastEnders is working with the Terrence Higgins Trust on the story to accurately reflect the realities of living with the virus, as well as to raise awareness of HIV.

After receiving his HIV diagnosis, the soap opera will also explore everything from treatment options for Zack to his adjustment to life with HIV.

Important: Zack was diagnosed with HIV in a hard-hitting new story (pictured on show in 2021)

EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said of the story: “EastEnders have never shied away from covering sensitive topics and Zack’s story is one of them.

“There are still so many myths and misinformation around HIV, so working closely with the Terrence Higgins Trust has allowed us to really understand what it is like for those who are diagnosed with HIV and we hope this story will raise more awareness about the HIV and what it is like to live with the virus in 2023.’

While Ian Green, Chief Executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, shared: “It’s been amazing to work with EastEnders on Zack’s story to show people across the UK that an HIV diagnosis doesn’t have to stop you from living life to the fullest. maximum”.

“During the height of the HIV epidemic in the 1990s, we worked with EastEnders on the Mark Fowler story to ensure that HIV was accurately portrayed on screen. Mark was the first British television personality to be diagnosed with HIV.

Revised: The plot will come more than 30 years after BBC Soap tackled Mark Fowler’s groundbreaking story, in which the market trader was diagnosed with the virus in 1991.

“Her story was seen by millions and helped change attitudes about the virus when fear and misinformation were rife.”

Ian continued: “More than 30 years after Mark’s story, and sadly too many people still have myths about HIV. The incredible progress we’ve made around HIV means that people who are getting effective HIV treatment aren’t they can transmit the virus and can have a normal life expectancy.

“We hope Zack’s story educates viewers about the reality of HIV in 2023 and sparks conversations in living rooms across the UK.”

Raising Awareness: EastEnders will work with the Terrence Higgins Trust on the story to accurately reflect the realities of living with the virus, as well as to raise awareness about HIV.