When Charlene Clark's little girl Emily was born, she weighed less than a bag of sugar and doctors only gave her a 50% chance of survival.

After a miscarriage the previous year, the 34-year-old had been about to begin fertility treatment until she discovered she was pregnant again.

The joy of finally having a child was soon mixed with anxiety as her daughter arrived 16 weeks early.

Charlene said: "With Emily, I was actually around 12 weeks pregnant before I found out I was pregnant with her.

"I was in shock when I found out, I couldn't believe I was pregnant again as this was only three months after a miscarriage.

"Emily had jaundice and needed blood transfusions, and was on oxygen. She was born breach as well and doctors only gave her a 50% chance of survival. She only weighed 1lb 6oz, which is less than a bag of sugar."

Both the mother and child from Livingston in West Lothian were cared for at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after Emily's arrival in March 2015.

Charlene said: "After Emily was born, I also had my own problems. I was very unwell for a week. My blood pressure was constantly up and down, and I could barely walk.

"I was absolutely exhausted and really stressed, and at night I was scared to go to sleep in case anything went wrong with Emily.

"The doctors and the nurses were absolutely fantastic though, and they helped me so much. I really don't know how I would have coped without them."

Even before Emily was born doctors were concerned at the chances of making through a whole pregnancy and surviving.

They told Charlene if the baby was born before the 24-week mark she only had a 20% chance of survival.

Charlene, a part-time housing support assistant, said: "Of course, Emily didn't make it through the whole pregnancy and was born just three months after I first found out.

"Under 24 weeks, the survival rate for babies drops by 20%, and I really worried that I would give birth before then and lose her.

"I felt so relieved that she reached the 24-week mark as it increased her chances of survival.

"She still had problems when she was born, though. It was terrifying."

Emily spent more than 100 days in hospital after her premature birth but her mother says the toddler has shown incredible development and is taking on life like any other girl approaching her second birthday.

Charlene, who is raising Emily on her own, said: "She pulled through and she was very lucky. I feel so lucky to have her.

"Since the difficulties she faced early on, Emily has really come on leaps and bounds. Her hearing is fine, she is learning to talk now and she runs about everywhere. She's just a great wee girl.

"Nothing could be better for her now and the doctors were really impressed with her progress.

"I'm so thankful given what she went through at the time. I am so proud of her."