Australian model Leah Ramsey reveals how a small cut led to open-heart surgery and the tragic loss of her baby

It started with a small cut on her foot but for Australian model Leah Ramsey the freak accident ended in unimaginable tragedy.

The minor injury triggered a rare infection that was repeatedly misdiagnosed, ultimately leading to open-heart surgery while she was pregnant.

After the devastating loss of her baby girl in June, Ramsey is bravely sharing her story to urge patients to speak up.

Speaking to 7NEWS.com.au, the former Australia’s Next Top Model contestant said she hopes her experience serves as a warning about the importance of advocating for yourself to ensure you receive the right medical attention.

In June 2025, Ramsey, who lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband Michael, was at home with their toddler, Reeves, when he broke a glass.

“I was cleaning up the glass when it got wedged into the top of my left foot,” Ramsey told 7NEWS.com.au.

“I didn’t notice it was in there. I didn’t see anything. I didn’t feel anything. It was the smallest piece of glass.

“And then a few days later, I was just scratching it and the glass came out.

The common bacterial skin infection, cellulitis, developed into an abscess, landing Ramsey in urgent care.

She was prescribed antibiotics and, after completing treatment, Ramsey said: “It healed fine and I thought that was it.”

But over the following months, Ramsey began experiencing flu-like symptoms and extreme fatigue.

While visiting Australia in October, she discovered she was pregnant with her second child.

As her condition worsened, doctors attributed her extreme exhaustion, night sweats and swelling to “really bad” pregnancy symptoms.

“I started to get dizzy spells and would black out, which was really scary,” Ramsey said.