The news of the Meghan Markle pregnant with her second baby has all her fans elated. After months of speculation of an impending pregnancy (followed by a miscarriage), this announcement is surely one of hope.
Meghan Markle Pregnant, Again!
A spokesperson for Prince Harry, 36, and Meghan, 39, confirmed the news on Sunday. “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child,” the statement read.
The official announcement was accompanied by a black and white picture, shot by renowned photographer and the couple’s friend, Misan Harriman. In the shot, the glowing mum-to-be is seen lying on her husband’s lap as he gazes at her lovingly.
For the uninitiated, this baby is eighth in line to the royal British throne.
The happy news was also confirmed by a spokesperson of the British monarch and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. The couple jointly released a statement through their officials that read: “Her Majesty, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and the entire family are delighted and wish them well.”
It Was Always Two Kids For Prince Harry And Meghan Markle
As some of you may know, Meghan Markle’s second pregnancy unfortunately didn’t go as unplanned. The couple had gotten pregnant last year, but sadly lost the baby shortly afterwards. In fact, Markle even penned her emotional journey in an op-ed for The New York Times sharing all about her pain and unwavering support from her husband.
But it’s a new day for the couple now. One that might just be the last of the sort. As it turns out Prince Harry and Meghan were always planning to have just two kids.
In an interview with chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall in 2019, Prince Harry shared intimate details of his life, including the number of kids he planned to have.
Reportedly Goodall said: “Not too many,” to which, Harry replied: “Two, maximum.”
This news of Meghan Markle pregnant with her second baby right after announcing that last year she had a miscarriage, has not only brought joy to followers; but also hope to those who are trying after such a loss.
Conceiving After A Miscarriage: Is It Possible?
It looks like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have followed all the norms when it comes to conception after pregnancy. If you recall, a study by the team from the University of Aberdeen found that women are more likely to have a successful pregnancy if they conceive within six months of a pregnancy loss.
The study was however, a contradiction to a World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation, which said that women should wait six months and then try to have a baby. But the new study dismisses it.
“Contrary to WHO guidelines, recommending at least six months’ wait after a miscarriage, our meta-analysis of all published studies on this subject to date shows definitively that less than six months is best,” Dr. Sohinee Bhattacharya told The Telegraph.
The study shows that trying to conceive soon after a miscarriage is safe. But Janine Elson of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists urged couples to do so only when they’re both physically and emotionally ready.
“Counseling should be offered to help manage the psychological stress miscarriage can cause,” Elson said. “Women must ensure that any pain and bleeding have stopped and they are taking folic acid before resuming sexual activity.”
Conception After Miscarriage: What All Couples Must Know
If you’re also trying to conceive after a miscarriage, here are some practical tips to bear in mind.
1. This pregnancy will be harder than you both physically, mentally and emotionally than other pregnancies. So do take care to find a doctor that would understand this.
2. You may want to avoid early preparation for the baby’s arrival. It is heartbreaking to have the baby room all set up but no baby to bring home.
3. You will probably be grieving instead of celebrating your new baby. This is understandable and you must not feel guilty.
4. Your parenting may be influenced by your past loss so moments of panic might occur, especially when the new baby is ill, or too quiet.
5. It is extremely crucial that if you find yourself struggling to love or care for your baby at the best of your ability because you are holding back, then you should speak to a healthcare provider and as soon as possible. Your doctor would then be able to point you to the appropriate support groups.
With inputs from Miss Vanda.
Feature/lead image courtesy: Screengrab from YouTube
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