Abby Howard Reveals How She’s Approaching ‘Rainbow Baby’ Pregnancy Differently After Loss of Daughter

**Influencer Abby Howard Shares Journey Through Pregnancy After Loss**

Abby Howard, a prominent social media influencer, and her husband Matt have recently announced that they are expecting their fourth child. This joy comes a mere six months after Abby suffered a heartbreaking pregnancy loss, which they bravely shared with their followers. The couple revealed their exciting news on March 24, describing their new pregnancy as a “rainbow baby” — a term used to signify the hope that comes after loss.

In a candid TikTok video posted a few days later, Abby opened up about the changes she is implementing this time around as she approaches her pregnancy with renewed perspective. The couple experienced significant grief following their loss at 17 weeks in September, and these feelings shape Abby’s current journey. Emphasising the importance of navigating her pregnancy differently, she expressed a desire to create a more positive experience this time.

Abby, 26, shared that one of the first adjustments she is making involves the decision to refrain from using pregnancy apps during her journey. “I’ve found that checking those apps was enjoyable in my previous three pregnancies,” she explained in the TikTok. “But now, I cannot shake the heavy memory of having to delete the app at 17 weeks, so I’ve decided to avoid that altogether.”

The couple has opted to learn the gender of their forthcoming child as early as possible, which Abby believes helps strengthen their emotional bond. She explained, “We found out the gender and even chose the name right at the ten-week mark, which has been a lovely experience. It aids in connecting with the baby when instinct might lead me to disconnect.”

Abby admitted that this pregnancy has brought a sense of uncertainty that she hadn’t encountered in her previous experiences. She has committed to speaking to her unborn child by name regularly as a method of fostering that connection. “I purchased a newborn onesie envisioning our baby wearing it on their birthday,” she shared thoughtfully, reflecting on the trepidation that sometimes accompanies her emotional journey.

For Abby, building a connection during this pregnancy is essential. She has been discovering various ways to forge that bond as she progresses in her term. “Even placing my hands on my belly helps me connect with the baby and what we are experiencing together,” she noted. “Being present through all of it has become a priority. This pregnancy is genuinely different, but I plan to embrace each day as a gift.”

The journey of loss is one that Abby and Matt have faced with transparency. In a poignant Instagram post dated September 27, the couple shared their heartbreak with their audience, detailing the anguish of not finding a heartbeat during a routine pregnancy appointment, which led to the devastating news of their baby girl’s passing due to a genetic condition. “It is with very heavy hearts that we share about the loss of our baby girl, born far too soon,” they wrote, accompanied by a photo symbolising their grief.

Following their loss, Abby and Matt have opened up about their healing process. In a prior episode of their podcast “Unplanned,” they shared the inspiration behind the name they had chosen for their daughter, Emerson Nicole. Abby revealed that she had a stillborn sister, naming her Emily Nicole, which added an emotional layer to their story.

Just weeks after revealing the tragic details of their past loss, the couple was able to share happier news with their followers. In their Instagram post on March 24, Abby and Matt expressed their excitement about expecting “baby #4” — a joyful moment that they documented with a photo of themselves holding up ultrasound images and sharing a heartfelt kiss.

The couple’s journey showcases the resilience and strength that many families experience while navigating the complexities of pregnancy and loss. As Abby approaches her new pregnancy, her openness about her feelings and decisions serves as both a source of inspiration and a reminder of the delicate nature of life. Throughout this evolving chapter, Abby continues to advocate for transparency and connection amidst the challenges of motherhood.