Michelle Duggar gave birth to her 19th child at 6:27 p.m. Thursday after undergoing an emergency C-section at the University of Arkansas medical facility in Little Rock. The baby, named Josie Brooklyn Duggar, was born 15 weeks prematurely. She weighed 1 lb. 6 oz. and is currently in stable condition in the neonatal intensive care unit. Michelle’s due date was March 18, 2010.
The reality show mother was rushed to the hospital a week ago after experiencing a severe gallbladder attack. Her condition deteriorated in the past few days and she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a medical condition that can cause high blood pressure and endanger both mother and baby.
Dr. Paul Wendel and his medical staff, in the Maternal Fetal Medicine unit, made a determination that an emergency delivery was necessary. He reports that “Michelle is recovering well from surgery.”
Michelle and her husband Jim Bob Duggar and their family appear on the hit TLC reality show 18 Kids and Counting. The oldest child, Josh Duggar, is 21-years-old and is married to Anna Duggar. They have a daughter Mackynzie Renee Duggar who was born on October 8, 2009. Michelle and Jim Bob’s daughter Jordyn Grace Duggar, baby #18, will be one-year-old on December 18, 2009.
View more family photos below. UPDATE Jan. 28, 2010 including photos and video here.