A MUM who was suddenly paralysed down one side of her face just weeks before giving birth told how she has learnt to eat and smile again.

Claire North, 40, noticed half of her face had fallen when she looked in the mirror after waking up one morning.

When she went downstairs, her husband told her to site down and immediately called an ambulance. He feared she was having a stroke.

Claire, of North Avenue, Canvey, was diagnosed with Bells Palsy - a paralysis of the facial muscles.

Fourteen months later, Claire has begun to adapt to life with the condition.

The mum-of-two said: “I was heavily pregnant at the time and it was really quite traumatic – my hair was falling out, I had bleeding gums and awful morning sickness. I had spent most of it in hospital attached to drips.

“I had been feeling better but then a few weeks before my second child was born it happened. By the time we had got to the hospital they realised what it was.

“The night before my eye had been streaming which I put down to tiredness, but that turned out to be a warning sign.

“Within a few days I was in severe pain and put on steroids to help.”

For months afterwards, Claire was referred to special units. She still attends appointments at Broomfield Hospital, in Chelmsford.

She has begun to feel positive, and has spoken out to urge other women diagnosed with Bells Palsy to remain confident.

Claire said: “At the time, it was really severe, I had botox around my eye to lift it. I couldn’t eat out or drink without anything falling out – I had to be taught how to eat again. I missed my smile and I dreaded being in pictures.

“My daughter still tells me I have a beautiful smile and I try keep upbeat about it. The good thing is I can laugh about it now.

“I’m one of the lucky ones, I’m lucky to be looked after by a great team at Broomfield, a team that listened and understood exactly what had happened and what I was going through.”

Although the cause of Bells Palsy is unknown, it is thought it can be caused by an infection, trauma or even stress.

Claire added: “So many woman feel alone and that there are no options, but there are so many little things you can do.

“There are exercises you can do, and I am trying acupuncture which sometimes feels like it helps. I might be having a skin graft that would make my face more symmetrical.

“It has been a traumatic year but it is a lot better now and I want to raise awareness. My face has certainly improved from when it happened, but it will never be or feel the same again and I will always have my days when I feel so sad about it all.

“Many people haven’t been offered the care that I have or even know about what’s out there, which makes me so sad. I hope my story raises a little awareness to others who are experiencing the same.”