Pregnancy after loss is not a simple experience.
It can be layered with joy and gratitude, but also fear, hyper-awareness, guarded hope and quiet anxiety. You may find yourself celebrating one moment and spiralling the next. Both can exist at the same time.
If you have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, infertility or pregnancy complications, you may notice that this pregnancy feels different. You might hesitate to buy baby clothes. You may avoid announcing publicly. You may check for blood every time you go to the bathroom. You may hold your breath between scans.
There is no “right” way to feel. There is only your way.
Why Pregnancy After Loss Feels Different
After loss, innocence is gone. You know how fragile pregnancy can be. Even when everything is progressing normally, your nervous system may still be on high alert.
Common feelings include:
- Fear of becoming attached too soon
- Guilt about feeling hopeful
- Anxiety before every scan or appointment
- Difficulty trusting your body
- Heightened awareness of every symptom
- Comparing this pregnancy to the one you lost
These reactions are protective. They are your brain trying to keep you safe. But they can also be exhausting.
Pregnancy Affirmations After Loss
Affirmations are not about denying fear. They are about grounding yourself in what is true right now.
Try reading these slowly. Save the ones that resonate.
- This is a different pregnancy, with a different outcome.
- Today, my baby is safe.
- I can hold hope and fear at the same time.
- My body deserves trust.
- It is okay to feel joy.
- It is okay to feel scared.
- I am allowed to connect with this baby.
- I honour the baby I lost while loving the baby I carry.
- Each day forward is progress.
- I am stronger than I ever wanted to be.
Practical Ways to Support Yourself
Alongside affirmations, you might find comfort in:
- Booking reassurance scans if that eases your mind
- Talking openly with your midwife about your anxiety
- Joining pregnancy-after-loss support groups
- Limiting exposure to triggering content online
- Journalling your feelings weekly
- Tracking movements once you are at that stage
Many women find writing particularly healing. Even a few lines each week can help you process both fear and hope. A pregnancy journal can become a safe place to say the things you may not want to say out loud.
You Are Not Unkind For Protecting Your Heart
If you feel distant at times, that does not mean you love this baby any less. If you feel overly attached early on, that does not mean you are naive. There is no perfect balance.
Pregnancy after loss requires immense courage. Even showing up to each appointment is an act of bravery.
Wherever you are in this journey, you are not alone.
If you would like to share your story of pregnancy after loss to support another mother walking this path, please email megan@forgetmenotjournals.com. Your words may be the reassurance someone else desperately needs.
You might also like:
- 29 Weeks Pregnant – Suspected Miscarriage at 8 Weeks
- 33 Weeks Pregnant – After Loss of a Child
- 31 Weeks Pregnant – First Baby
Explore: Made With Love Pregnancy Journal