Kirsty was the first woman in Australia to receive a uterus transplant. Now she's pregnant.

Kirsty Bryant has always longed of having a second child.

In April 2021, Kirsty birthed her first baby, a daughter named Violet. But complications arose during the delivery when Kirsty had to undergo an emergency caesarean, before having a life-saving hysterectomy. Throughout the ordeal, Kirsty lost around 11 litres of blood, and was put in an induced coma for 48 hours. 

Thankfully, both Kirsty and daughter Violet ended up okay. Although Kirsty still had her eggs intact, she would not be able to carry another baby without a uterus following the hysterectomy.

In January, the 30-year-old become the first woman in Australia to receive a womb transplant, after receiving a uterus donated by her 54-year-old mother, Michelle Hayton.

The 16-hour history-making surgery was part of a research trial at The Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney. 

Now, just three months later, Kirsty is pregnant with her second child, after a successful embryo transfer. 

"It's very surreal," she told the ABC.

"It's so wonderful that my body can do this and that my mum has given me this gift."

Watch some of Kirsty's story on 60 Minutes. Post continues below.

As for her mum, Kirsty said she's "over the moon" and can't wait for another grandchild, who is due in late December.

Until then, Kirsty will be closely monitored throughout her pregnancy, which is considered high risk.

"I don't have the nerves connected to my uterus, so I won't be able to feel any contractions," she told the publication. 

Speaking to 60 Minutes earlier this year, Kirsty and Michelle said they have always been close. 

"She's not just my daughter, she's my best friend. I would do anything to help her on her journey," Michelle shared.

Fortunately for the duo, Michelle met all the relevant criteria in order to be a womb donor - she was fit, perimenopausal, and willing to hand over her uterus without anything in return.

"Kirsty rang, she said to me, 'Hi, Mum. What do you think about having a hysterectomy and giving me your uterus?' I said, 'Really? Is that a thing? Yep, that's fine. I have no problem with that'," Michelle recounted. 

Kirsty and her daughter Michelle. Image: Nine.

Surgeons were then able to remove Michelle's uterus and transplant it into Kirsty. It wasn't just the first time the surgery had been successfully done in Australia, but the first attempted surgery as well. 

It was delicate and complicated according to the lead surgeon on the trial, Dr Rebecca Deans and the Swedish surgeon who pioneered this treatment overseas, Professor Mats Brannstrom. 

"It was such a wonderful day to actually finally get there and be in that room," Dr Rebecca Deans said about the surgery. "The buzz was amazing. And then it all went to plan."

Dr Deans also explained that for some women, the risks outweigh the potential benefits, given the fact this surgery isn't straightforward. But given the amount of women in Australia desperate to have a biological child of their own, Dr Deans said it's an important avenue to test and trial. 

"It's a wonderful moment when you tell that woman they're pregnant for the first time after they've been through years of infertility. It's amazing. Kirsty is young, she has ovaries that clearly work, and she's otherwise fertile, other than losing her uterus."

Listen to Kirsty Bryant and Dr Rebecca Deans' interview on The Quicky, Mamamia's daily news podcast. Post continues below.

Kirsty needed extra recovery time post surgery after she unexpectedly started losing blood. And just as she was recovering from that, Michelle went downhill with an infection.

Speaking to 60 Minutes, Kirsty said she would have regretted not giving the surgery a go. 

"To not put my hand up and give it a go, I think would be a massive regret for myself... even if it doesn't go to plan, the research and the information that they will get from this, in Australia, is going to be worth it. I just want to give hope and give options for other women out there."

Thankfully, it did go to plan, with the 30-year-old set to welcome a new addition to her family by Christmas. 

"People keep saying it's a miracle," she told the ABC. "But I try to remind them, 'No it's science. Science has got me here'."

This article was originally published on February 27, 2023, and was updated on May 23, 2023.

Feature Image: Nine.