Rebecca Adlington, the Olympic swimmer, recently shared her emotional journey of pregnancy as she prepares to welcome a new addition to her family. Adlington, a mother to four-year-old Albie and ten-year-old Summer, has faced significant heartbreak with two previous miscarriages.
Upcoming Arrival Amid Heartache
In September, Rebecca announced her pregnancy through heartfelt ultrasound photos on social media. This announcement comes after a challenging year in which she experienced losing her daughter, Harper, who was stillborn, and a previous miscarriage at 12 weeks.
Coping with Emotions
Rebecca expressed that this pregnancy has been filled with emotional turmoil. She stated, “This pregnancy has been completely different. Not many photos, no gender reveal, no baby shower.” This change is driven by a sense of fear, which she acknowledges is common among those experiencing a rainbow pregnancy.
In her recent Instagram post, she elaborated on her struggles with anxiety and comparison due to her past losses. “I’ve really tried hard recently to not compare. After loss, comparison can feel automatic,” she shared.
Finding Comfort in Nicknames
To help manage her emotions, Rebecca and her husband, Andy Parsons, decided to give their unborn child a nickname, “Jellytot.” This tactic aims to foster bonding with their baby and differentiate between this child and the late Harper. “It took me a long time to admit I’m struggling, but I’ve learnt it’s okay,” she remarked.
Pregnancy Journey and Support
Rebecca and Andy, who have been together since 2018, revealed that they had been trying to conceive for 19 months. Following their past heartaches, they are taking a cautious approach this time around. Her candid reflections serve as an encouragement for others experiencing similar challenges.
Understanding Miscarriages
- Miscarriage typically refers to the loss of a fetus before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
- According to Baby loss charity Tommy’s, approximately 250,000 miscarriages occur each year in the UK.
- One in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage, often due to genetic defects.
- While most women can have healthy pregnancies afterward, preventing miscarriages remains challenging.
Adlington’s story of hope amid struggle highlights the complexity of pregnancy after loss. Her openness aims to support and shed light on this often-taboo subject, resonating with many potential parents. As she navigates this emotional journey, her resilience and honesty continue to inspire others in similar situations.
