Channel 7 presenter Abbey Gelmi reveals health battle during second pregnancy

A popular TV presenter and fiancee of an AFL champion has detailed her health struggles during her second pregnancy.

Abbey Gelmi is facing a health battle with her second pregnancy. Photos: News Corp/Instagram

A popular Channel 7 sports presenter has revealed a major health struggle during her second pregnancy.

Abbey Gelmi, who is engaged to triple AFL premiership-winning Tiger Kane Lambert, has been absent from her work duties with 7 and iHeart Radio in recent weeks.

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She has now explained the reason why in a post on Instagram, which begins with the caption “Baby Lambert 2.0 coming ‘24”.

“Pregnancy is such a sensitive subject and my thoughts are with those struggling, however, I wanted to share our experience with Hyperemesis in the hope that those who endure it know they’re not alone,” Gelmi continued.

“While we’re so grateful to be adding to our family, HG has been debilitating.

“I’ve been in hospital three days a week for most of the first trimester, unable to keep anything down or leave bed with relentless nausea.

“I’d get dizzy when I stood, couldn’t care for (firstborn) Louis and my mental health took a dive.

“It can be terribly isolating, but there is help available and Hyperemesis Australia is a great place to start.”

Abbey Gelmi is facing a health battle with her second pregnancy. Photos: News Corp/Instagram

Hyperemesis Gravidarum, or HG, is a condition that typically involves severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and can lead to weight loss and dehydration.

It impacts around one in 100 women, according to the NSW Health website.

Gelmi added that the support of others, including journalist Emma Vosti, kidswear brand founder and husband of Geelong star Emma Hawkins and her own mother, had been crucial during her battle.

“The stories of others like Emma Vosti and Emma Hawkins really helped me and I hope I can do the same by sharing more when the time is right,” Gelmi continued.

“We’re so grateful to our people, especially my mum who has been Herculean.

“I’ve received wonderful care from our OB and the nurses at (Melbourne maternity hospital) Frances Perry House where I’ve become part of the furniture.

Gelmi (second left) with Channel 7 presenters Bruce McAvaney, Jo Griggs and Hamish McLachlan. Photo: Instagram

Images from Gelmi's Instagram post.

“Work have been so accommodating, I can’t thank Seven and iHeart enough for the grace and time to recover.

“It’s a relief to be at the stage where we can share why I’ve been absent from commitments that mean a lot to me.

“While I’m still unwell, I’m coming out of the fog and slowly returning to regular programming, but most importantly being mum.

“Two under two, we’re going to be busy Kane Lambert.”

Gelmi and Lambert’s first child, Louis, was born on March 8 last year and they then announced their engagement in September ahead of the Brownlow Medal awards night, where she was among the Channel 7 presenters.

Abbey Gelmi with husband Kane Lambert and her first child. Photos: AFL Photos/Instagram

Lambert, 32, played 135 games for Richmond including flags in 2017, 2019 and 2020 before retiring in 2022.

Gelmi has received an outpouring of support since publishing the post to her more than 75,000 followers.

“Love you and so so proud of you. Wish it wasn’t like this for you but so grateful to have been able to relate at a time you needed it most,” Vosti wrote.

“Incredible news mama, so so excited for you. Sending you lots of love. Sorry you’ve been so so unwell. Any two under two tips I am here for you,” wrote popular blogger Lisa De Sanctis.

“I feel for you as I suffered from this for the entire 9 months. It is so debilitating and lonely. Even though you are surrounded by a wonderful circle of family and friends. I wish you all the best and may you feel stronger each day. On the positive side I was continuously told that my baby was strong and healthy,” added Instagram user Louie Lloyd.