Carrie Symonds announces pregnancy after loss

This pregnancy announcement comes after the news that Carrie had a miscarriage earlier in the year which left her ‘heartbroken'.

Symonds wrote on her Instagram post: “Hoping for our rainbow baby this Christmas. At the beginning of the year, I had a miscarriage which left me heartbroken. I feel incredibly blessed to be pregnant again but I’ve also felt like a bag of nerves. Fertility issues can be really hard for many people, particularly when on platforms like Instagram it can look like everything is only ever going well. I found it a real comfort to hear from people who had also experienced loss so I hope that in some very small way sharing this might help others too.”

A ‘rainbow baby’ is a term is used for parents expecting a child after losing a baby due to miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons, or neonatal death.

In response to Carrie’s announcement, Tommy’s friends and supporters Marina Fogle and Jennie Agg spoke about their own experiences of pregnancy after loss, and their thoughts on the term ‘rainbow baby’. They acknowledged that although a ‘rainbow baby’ can be a symbol of joy and hope, it’s important to remember that this cannot erase the grief a parent feels for any babies they have lost. In her column for the Daily Telegraph, Marina said:

"My experience tells me we need to be careful about creating another ‘fairy tale’ which cultivates the idea that once you do have a baby after losing one, all will be well in the world. While for a lot of women this might feel like the case, for many it’s not."

At Tommy’s, we know that being pregnant after loss can be an incredibly anxious time with lots of mixed emotions. If you are pregnant following loss, you may feel excited or relieved that you’re pregnant again, but also worried about how this pregnancy will progress. Some women may still be grieving for the baby they lost and feel guilty about feeling happy. 

We’re so grateful to Carrie for sharing her own story of pregnancy after loss and breaking the silence around this topic.

Tommy’s CEO Jane Brewin said:

“Baby loss at any stage in pregnancy is one of the most devastating things that can happen to any family – and as Carrie said, this heartbreak is endured frequently but often silently because of the taboo in society.

"1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss but it’s shrouded in secrecy, stigma and shame; mothers like Carrie sharing their stories is a vital step in tackling that.

"Some bereaved parents choose to grieve privately, but they can still find comfort and connection in reading others’ stories, and people like Carrie speaking out sends a powerful message: this may feel incredibly lonely, but you are not alone. Friends and family, doctors and midwives, all of us at support organisations like Tommy’s, we’re here.”

If you are struggling with pregnancy after loss, please know that any feelings you have are completely natural. Pregnancy can be a very emotional experience, and you’ve been through a very difficult time. Do remember to be kind to yourself. 

For support with pregnancy and parenting after loss:

• You can talk to our midwives on 0800 0147 800, open 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday or email on [email protected] 
• Read pregnancy after loss stories 
• Join our Parenting After Loss Support Group