Ben Higgins’ Wife Jessica Clarke Says Doctors Lost Daughters’ Heartbeat for 10 Minutes During Labor

A Scary Pre-Birth Experience for Ben Higgins and Jessica Clarke

Former Bachelor star Ben Higgins and his wife, Jessica Clarke, recently opened up about a terrifying experience they went through shortly before the birth of their daughter. In a heartfelt episode of the Almost Famous podcast, Clarke, 29, recounted the frightening moments when her blood pressure dropped during labor, causing their unborn baby’s heartbeat to disappear for nearly 10 minutes. Describing the chaos, Clarke explained, “They flipped me onto all fours, and suddenly, there were like 10 doctors rushing into the room.” While the situation turned out to be more common than they initially feared, it was undeniably scary for the couple.

Higgins, 35, shared his perspective on the ordeal, recalling how their daughter’s heart rate had dropped significantly but was still detectable. He admitted to trying to stay “present” for his wife without hovering over her, opting instead to distract himself by watching an Indiana University basketball game on his sofa bed. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted when he saw a swarm of doctors enter the room. “I looked up, and there were like 10 doctors there,” Higgins said. “A nurse came over and told me to prepare to go to the OR. It was a lot to process.”

A New Life Enters the World

Fortunately, the situation resolved itself when Clarke changed positions, and their daughter’s heartbeat stabilized. Despite the initial scare, the couple welcomed their healthy baby girl on February 12. Higgins took to Instagram to share the joyous news, posting a touching photo of himself, Jessica, and their newborn daughter resting on her chest. “Baby girl Higgins has entered the world,” he wrote. “She is healthy, and Jessica is doing so well.” Higgins also expressed his awe and gratitude, praising the medical team for their care and calling his daughter “real beautiful.” He added, “This beauty will be revealed soon, but first, she needs a bath.”

The new dad struggled to put his emotions into words, writing, “I don’t yet have words for what just happened, but the update is that we have a daughter, and Jess is recovering so well.” His heartfelt post captured the overwhelming joy and disbelief that often accompany the birth of a child.

Introducing Winona Elane Higgins

The following day, Higgins returned to Instagram to reveal their daughter’s name: Winona Elane Higgins, affectionately nicknamed Winnie. Alongside adorable photos of their newborn, he shared a deeply personal reflection on the past 48 hours. “I did not realize I could be more in love and more impressed with Jessica, but after the last two days, my heart has exploded for her and our new baby girl,” he wrote. Higgins described waking up each morning, reminding himself of the blessings in his life, and finding himself “mentally reunited with the truth” of his new roles as a dad and husband. He added, “Life starts again for us—a new chapter we enter into.”

Embracing Parenthood and Gratitude

Throughout the podcast episode and his Instagram posts, Higgins and Clarke’s gratitude for their medical team and their faith shines through. Higgins repeatedly emphasized the miracles of life and the overwhelming love they feel for their daughter. “So many moments of lacking the words but feeling God-inspired love,” he wrote. Clarke, too, reflected on the experience, acknowledging how quickly perspective can shift from fear to joy. Their journey into parenthood serves as a reminder of the fragility and beauty of life.

A New Chapter for the Higgins Family

Ben and Jessica Higgins’ story is one of love, faith, and resilience. From the scare during labor to the euphoria of meeting their daughter, the couple has embraced every moment with grace. As they navigate this new chapter, they continue to share their journey with fans, offering a glimpse into the raw emotions and profound joy that come with parenthood. Their experience is a testament to the power of family and the unwavering support of loved ones during life’s most significant moments.