Rebecca Adlington undergoes emergency surgery after miscarriage

Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington has had emergency surgery after a miscarriage.

The former competitive swimmer, 33, shared a lengthy post on Instagram describing how she discovered she had lost her pregnancy during a 12-week scan on Tuesday.

Adlington said she left hospital on Thursday but was readmitted on Friday and treated for sepsis, a kidney infection and fever.

Although she is now "slowly on the mend", she said it has been a "devastating time" for her and her husband.

Sharing a photograph from hospital while holding a cup of tea, Adlington wrote: "On Tuesday me and Andy went to hospital for our 12 week scan only to discover we've had a miscarriage which resulted in emergency surgery. I managed to leave hospital Thursday only to be readmitted Friday.

"After a day of treating sepsis, a kidney infection and a fever I'm slowly on the mend. Long way to go but I'm in the right place.

"I can't thank the hospitals and the staff enough, been so supportive. It's such a devastating time but important in times like these we remember we aren't alone and have so much support.

"@andrewparsons5 you have been my rock this week. Same with family and friends. We haven't managed to process it all yet but I know with their support we'll get through it.

"Once I'm able to leave hospital I'm extremely grateful I get to go home and give my 2 little ones the best hugs!"

Soap actress Catherine Tyldesley and Paralympian Ellie Simmonds are among those posting messages of support.

Tyldesley wrote: "Oh love. I'm so sorry. Sending you both so much love and strength."

Adlington, who competed on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2013, is already mother to seven-year-old daughter Summer from her first marriage to fellow former competitive swimmer Harry Needs, and one-year-old son Albie with Andy Parsons, who she married last year.

More recently, she has worked as a pundit for the BBC during its coverage of the Commonwealth Games and European Aquatics Championships.