A MUM has told how her husband had to make the "heartbreaking" decision whether to save her or their unborn baby.

       Emma Clay and premature son Alfie were both given a 50/50 chance of survival as she battled pneumonia and flu.

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       A husband had to choose whether to save his wife or their unborn baby Credit: MEN Media 4

       Emma Clay was battling pneumonia and flu while pregnant with Alfie Credit: MEN Media

       The tot was born three months early weighing just 2lb 13oz before spending 10 weeks fighting for his life in intensive care.

       But the ordeal was made significantly worse for Emma's partner when doctors presented him with an impossible decision.

       Emma, from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, told GrimsbyLive: "That's how serious it was.

       "I had pneumonia and influenza at the time which led to me giving birth early.

       "I was in a horrible state and just felt I couldn't breathe. I thought I wouldn't have long in this world but I wanted to fight for Alfie.

       "You will never understand the worry and fear of giving birth prematurely if it isn't something you've never been through.

       "My husband had to sign official papers of who he wanted to survive which must have been heartbreaking for him to choose his wife or son."

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       As Emma slowly recovered from pneumonia she found out Alfie had a rare condition called craniosynostosis where a baby's skull does not grow properly and their head becomes an unusual shape.

       She said: "He had to undergo major head surgery immediately because of the risks associated with craniosynostosis.

       "Common symptoms of the condition are caused by pressure on their brain and it can affect their face and cause problems with breathing difficulties.

       "It was a really worrying time."

       Alfie, who was born in 2016, was forced to undergo an operation, which was thankfully a huge success, and he is now a happy and healthy little boy.

       "He's developing very nicely now and his condition doesn't affect him one bit," his mum said. "He lives the life any five-year-old should."

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       Alfie, born in 2016, is now a happy and healthy five-year-old Credit: MEN Media 4

       He suffered a rare condition called craniosynostosis as a baby Credit: MEN Media

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