Retired British swimming champion Rebecca Adlington has spoken candidly about the profound fears and emotional challenges she is facing during her current pregnancy, which follows the tragic loss of her daughter.
A Cautious Joy After Heartbreak
The 36-year-old double Olympic gold medallist and her husband, Andy Parsons, announced they were expecting earlier this year, describing themselves as 'cautiously overjoyed'. This pregnancy comes after a series of devastating losses. In August 2022, Adlington required emergency surgery following a miscarriage. Tragedy struck again in October 2023 when a 20-week scan revealed her daughter, Harper, had no heartbeat.
In a candid Instagram post shared on Saturday, the BBC sports pundit and mother of two explained why this experience has been markedly different. "This pregnancy has been completely different," she wrote. "Not many photos, no gender reveal, no baby shower. This isn't because I'm not excited, it's because I'm fearful."
Navigating the Emotional Turmoil of a Rainbow Pregnancy
Adlington used the term 'rainbow pregnancy'—a phrase describing a pregnancy that follows a miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death—acknowledging that others who have walked this path will understand her anxiety. She stated unequivocally, "Mentally and emotionally, this has been my hardest pregnancy."
Seeking support, she had a counselling session with Petals Charity, a baby loss counselling service, and decided to share the strategies that have aided her, hoping they might help others. A key focus has been actively avoiding comparisons. "After loss, comparison can feel automatic," she admitted. "I was encouraged to focus on the differences between this pregnancy and our miscarriages, rather than the similarities."
Finding Connection and Accepting Struggle
One poignant step the family has taken is giving their unborn baby a nickname, 'Jellytot'. Adlington shared that this simple act has helped them stop comparing to Harper and has allowed the family to start bonding with the new baby. She also emphasised the importance of acknowledging difficulty, saying it took her a long time to admit she was struggling.
"Being anxious and struggling doesn't take away from how grateful I am to be pregnant, it just means I'm human," she wrote in her moving post. Adlington concluded by signposting to The Miscarriage Association, which offers support via email at info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk or by phone on 01924 200799.
