EastEnders star Michael Greco announced the birth of his first child on Friday.
The star revealed that his son, Gianluca Greco was born prematurely on Thursday, weighing 4.47lbs with his early birth due to failure of scans to pick up birth defects.
Sharing a picture of Gianluca, Michael who played Beppe di Marco in the BBC soap from 1998 to 2002, detailed his arrival of his and girlfriend Helen Harris' son.
Baby boy: EastEnders star Michael Greco announced the birth of his first child on Friday
Michael penned: 'Born July 1st 2021. Weighing 4.47lbs. The little man was born prematurely due to the fact that previous scans had failed to pick up his rare birth defect called Gastroschisis...
'The consultant suggested it was best for him to born early so that he could get the necessary care and attention. He was born at University College of London Hospital...
'Their staff were extremely professional and Mother and Baby could not have been in better hands. Dad was a “tad” emotional to say the least!...
'Baby has already had his first operation to replace his bowel where it should belong and is under the worlds best care of Great Ormond Street where he will be in ICU for a while and most probably for up to 6 weeks...
Speaking out: The star revealed that his son, Gianluca Greco was born prematurely on Thursday, weighing 4.47lbs with his early birth due to failure of scans to pick up birth defects
First time dad: Sharing a picture of Gianluca, Michael who played Beppe di Marco in the BBC soap from 1998 to 2002, detailed his arrival of his and girlfriend Helen Harris' son
'My heart is full already and this is by far the best day of my life. I love you Gianluca more than I can ever imagine.'
Gastroschisis is a type of abdominal wall defect. It occurs when a child’s abdomen does not develop fully while in the womb.
Early in all pregnancies, the intestine develops inside the umbilical cord and then usually moves inside the abdomen a few weeks later.
In gastroschisis, the abdominal wall does not form completely so the intestines develop outside and are open to the air when the child is born.
It's a boy! In April, Michael announced that he and Helen were having a baby boy
Gastroschisis is immediately recognisable because the child’s intestines are outside of the abdomen. Some areas of the intestines may look darker as they have been in contact with the amniotic fluid inside the womb, which can damage them. The umbilical cord is visible but pushed to the
