Erin Bates’ Condition Worsens: Husband Says She Suffered “Severe Seizure” After Going Into Septic Shock from Birth of Seventh Child

Chad Paine says his wife Erin Bates’ recovery has taken an unexpected turn.

The dad of seven, 38, revealed on Instagram on Thursday, Sept. 4 that the Bringing Up Bates star, 34 had a “severe seizure,” days after developing a UTI and kidney infection and going into septic shock following the birth of their seventh child.

“Last night, Erin suffered a lengthy and severe seizure,” Paine shared alongside two black-and-white photos of him next to her bedside at the hospital. In one of the pictures, he kissed her on the cheek. “Up to this point, Erin’s infection was getting better, but we found ourselves back in a place of heartache, uncertainty, and tears.”

“She is in the ICU, and the doctors are running scans and tests to determine the cause,” he continued. “Erin is extremely weak and spent hours only half conscious.”

Paine went on to say that he had “so many mixed emotions” as he shared the news, adding that seeing his wife “struggle” while he was “helpless to ease her suffering” was “one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced.”

“I love her more deeply than words can express, and I can’t even imagine life without my best friend,” he wrote. “The hours have been long and heavy, and I know many hearts are aching to see her this way, along with mine.”

“We hold on to faith that healing is coming, even in the midst of the unknown. Your prayers are felt and we are forever grateful,” he added.

Earlier this week, Paine shared that his wife had “complications” during the birth of their youngest — son Henry Blythe — who was put in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). He said that following the birth, Erin developed “a severe UTI and kidney infection, which sent her into septic shock” and asked for fans to pray for her recovery.

The couple announced the baby’s birth in a Wednesday, Aug. 27 Instagram post, sharing that he arrived on Monday, Aug. 25. In the photo, the newly minted mom of seven held onto her newborn son right after delivering him.

“After a long and emotional labor, our miracle arrived. Henry Blythe was born August 25th. 💙,” Paine wrote in the caption. “Henry is doing wonderful, but we would so appreciate your prayers for Erin as she continues to recover from some complications. We thank the Lord for carrying us through and for the gift of this precious boy. 💙.”

The couple is also parents to daughters Finley Marie, 3, Holland Grace, 5, Everly Hope, 7, and Brooklyn Elise, 8, and sons William Gage, 20 months, and Charles Steven IV, 10.

Bates, who is the  second-eldest of Bringing Up Bates stars Gil and Kelly Jo’s children, has previously faced pregnancy challenges. Due to her blood-clotting condition, she endured several miscarriages before their eldest son came along.

“We were content knowing that God sometimes has a different plan than our own,” the pair said while announcing the pregnancy at the time. “As you can imagine, we were absolutely blown away when we found out the good news and really in shock!”

“Our hearts were filled with so much joy and some uncertainty, but we have been relieved and so encouraged to know Baby Paine is growing and doing great and Erin has been doing wonderful as well,” they added.