AN expectant mum suffered crippling contractions lasting a gruelling two months, due to complications from a rare condition. Debbie Mills, 24, fell pregnant despite having to cope with agonising nerve condition CRPS, for which she takes painkillers. But, as baby Owen grew inside her, doctors told her it would be too dangerous to him if she kept taking her medication. She came off the pain relief, but 28 weeks into the pregnancy she started having severe stomach pains, which were diagnosed as contractions – and they continued until Owen was born – at 37 weeks.
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
A northern potoo shows it is a master of disguise as it perches on a tree stump and blends into the bark .
A Cheryl Fernandez-Versini lookalike has slammed skinny-shamers, after seeing her celebrity doppelganger abused for her tiny frame .
Pic By Graham Gibson/ HotSpot Media - SHARK HYPNOTIST BALANCES SHARK IN PALM OF HIS HAND- In Pic - Diver Tom and Caribbean reef sharks in the Bahamas- A SHARK hypnotist balances these predators in the palm of his hand by sending them to sleep with a gentle nose rub .
WEARING tiny Christmas accessories, these adorable babies get into the spirit of the season .
Sprawled out on top of a log, this sleeping leopard takes a relaxing break from his daily routine .
TRYING their best to wriggle away, three adorable tiger cubs receive their health checks at Chester Zoo .
WRAPPED up in classy headscarves, these adorable pooches are the picture of sophistication .
This frozen lighthouse in Michigan could easily be mistaken for a still from the snow swept disaster movie The Day After Tomorrow .
UNDERWATER and above-water seaside shots show the best of British beach-life .