Royal fans are delighted by news that both Zara Tindall, 39, and Meghan Markle, 39, are pregnant and due to give birth later this year. While Zara’s husband Mike revealed they were expecting their third child together ahead of Christmas, Meghan and Prince Harry dazzled fans with an adorable pregnancy photo and announcement on Valentine’s Day.
Zara and Meghan’s happy news comes after both women previously opened up about their pregnancy loss experiences.
Zara was the first-ever Royal Family member to speak openly about miscarriage after she lost two babies following the birth of her eldest daughter Mia, six, in 2014.
In 2016 Zara suffered a second miscarriage before the birth of her youngest, Lena, two.
She opened up about the losses two years later in a moving interview with the Sunday Times.
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Zara said: “I think you need to go through a period where you don’t talk about it because it’s too raw. But, as with everything, time’s a great healer.”
Speaking about her first miscarriage, the Queen’s granddaughter said: “In our case, it was something that was really rare; it was nature saying, ‘This one’s not right.’
“I had to go through having the baby because it was so far along.”
Zara’s brave decision to open up about her pregnancy losses paved the way for Meghan Markle to do the same.
Midwife Sophie King works for pregnancy charity Tommy’s which provides information for pregnant mums and support for those who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth.
Explaining the emotional challenges some mums face when becoming pregnant again after a loss, Sophie said Meghan and Zara’s baby joy may be tinged with sadness.
The midwife told Express.co.uk: “It’s wonderful news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting again – but as we know they sadly lost a baby last year, this celebration may feel bittersweet, while their pregnancy journey stirs up heart-breaking memories and complex emotions.”
Sophie added: “Any expectant or new parent may struggle with anxiety, but it can be hard for those who have lost babies to believe that won’t happen again, or they may feel guilty for being excited about a new arrival while grieving a sibling.
The midwife added: “Grief, pregnancy and parenting are all very tiring so the combination can be very challenging.
“Children born after a loss are often called ‘rainbow babies’ to symbolise hope and light after a dark time, but it’s important to remember that a rainbow doesn’t erase the storm that came before it.”
As well as spearheading research into preventing pregnancy loss and campaigning to end the taboo around miscarriage, UK-based charity Tommy’s provides support and information for expectant mums and those who have experienced loss on its website: https://www.tommys.org/.
