Popular influencer finds out she needs open-heart surgery just days after announcing her pregnancy as her partner reveals couple’s fears for their unborn baby

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Australian influencer Leah Jay is set to undergo high-risk open-heart surgery while pregnant. 

Leah’s partner, Michael Ramsey, who co-founded Strong Pilates, shared that doctors discovered an infection on her heart valve. This type of infection, called mitral valve vegetation, develops along the edges of the heart valves.

I was really worried when the doctor explained the surgery carries significant risks for the baby, but they made it very clear that Leah’s health is the absolute most important thing right now. That’s a relief, even though it’s still scary.

He shared on Instagram that while doctors have warned of serious risks to the baby, Leah’s well-being is their primary concern at the moment.

Assuming her recovery continues as expected, Leah should be able to leave the hospital in four or five days after her surgery. Despite everything, she’s doing remarkably well, facing each challenge with courage and making good progress.

The couple were quickly flooded with messages of support from friends and followers.

Professional boxer Harry Garside wrote: ‘Thinking of you and the family, mate.’

Anna Heinrich, who appeared on The Bachelor, also offered her support, writing, ‘Sending love and thinking of you both.’

This sad news follows an announcement just days ago that Michael and Leah were expecting another baby. They are already parents to a three-year-old son named Reeves.

‘The sequel,’ the couple wrote on Instagram alongside the hashtag #julybaby.

That announcement was also met with an outpouring of love from high-profile friends.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’m always thrilled to see people celebrating love! When I heard the news, I immediately thought, ‘How wonderful!’ and sent my congratulations, just like fellow personalities Martha Kalifatidis and Sam Frost, who also shared their excitement and well wishes.

Leah recently gained attention for a funny and honest video where she talked about some of the naive things she used to think before having a baby.

In the video, Leah jokingly recalled how naive she was to believe a baby would easily fit into her existing life.

‘Are you joking, Leah? Your whole life revolves around Reeve’s schedule,’ she said.

‘You sleep when Reeve sleeps. You eat when Reeve eats.’

She playfully admitted her rule about limiting screen time hadn’t been very successful, jokingly saying she now loves watching ‘Miss Rachel’ and feels like she could even join ‘The Wiggles’.

Leah also changed her views on sugar, especially after a family vacation to Italy. She let her son have plenty of gelato and Nutella cookies to avoid conflicts and keep everyone happy.

Another moment saw her reflect on confidently claiming she would take her baby everywhere.

‘Umm, no you’re not hon,’ she said. 

‘You had postpartum anxiety for about six months and didn’t leave the house.’

Since 2011, Leah has gained a significant online following by creating and sharing content about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics.

She also created Tini Togs, a swimwear line for kids, and often shares photos and stories about her travels and life as a mom.

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2026-01-29 07:48