A rainbow baby is a pregnancy that ends in the birth of a healthy baby following a pregnancy loss," explains Shannon Smith, M.D., aboard-certified OB/GYN and partner at Brigham Faulkner OB/GYN Associatesin Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board. "The term symbolizes a healing and optimistic light for the parents after a traumatic experience." Jennifer Wu,M.D., F.A.C.O.G., a board-certified OB/GYN/ founder of Women's Health of Manhattanin New York, NY, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board.

If you are a parent-to-be of a rainbow baby, "parents are often more cautious about announcing a new pregnancy," says Dr. Wu. That's completely understandable: After all, you may have shared the news of the baby you lost — and then had to explain the heartbreaking reality to everyone later. Life will test you, but remember, the test shall pass and soon you will have so much more to celebrate.” I miscarried twice ... both in the first trimester. Igot pregnant the second time about three months after the first miscarriage, and was taking birth control pill both times. I got an IUD soon after the second since I knew I couldn't handle a third loss at that time.I had my IUD removed since it was time, began a new relationship and got pregnant ... I [got pregnant] with my rainbow and everything is going perfectly so far. ... I was beginning to think I'd never get to be a mom." — 1inchllama Manage stress. Avoid stressors from your life during this special time. If you work, talk to your boss about how you can delegate some responsibilities to reduce stress.

Why Call Them a “Rainbow Baby”?

The first thing women can do to honor that loss is to recognize that their feelings of sadness and grief are legitimate," Dr. Smith says. "It's healthy to embrace that feeling and mourn your loss." Just one look at my rainbow baby girl and I knew my happiness surpassed my suffering by a long shot.” Rainbow Quotes For Baby Boy

Talk with others who've been there. This could mean joining a grief group, talking with people you know who have lost a baby, or even just talking with your spouse. This helps you realize that you're not alone and could bring a measure of comfort. A rainbow baby is the term coined for a baby born after a miscarriage, stillbirth, medical loss or infant loss from natural causes. Trusted Source Cleveland Clinic What to Expect as a Parent of a Rainbow Baby See All Sources [1] A rainbow baby arrives after a rainbow pregnancy, Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Pregnancy After Miscarriage: What You Need to Know See All Sources [2] which is often fraught with complex emotions, including fear, relief and even guilt.You should also expect to feel a whole range of emotions, including fear, worry, renewed grief, guilt, joy and relief, when you get pregnant with a rainbow baby after a loss. All those feelings are completely normal.

Imagine the possibilities with Barbie! There’s a wide range of Barbie dolls, playsets and fashions to explore, from the beautiful Barbie Dreamhouse to the latest Fashionistas. WhatToExpect.com, How to Find a Postpartum Depression Therapist You Can Actually Afford, April 2022. Rebecca Amaru, M.D., aboard-certified OB/GYN with Mount Sinai Hospitalin New York, NY, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board. A little wish for my little rainbow baby: I pray for roses and brightness to accompany you, wherever you go. I pray you meet the sweetest of people along the way. And I pray you add light and colors in the lives of those who are having it real tough.”

Medical Review Policy

Rainbow baby is a healthy baby born after losing a baby due to miscarriage, infant loss, stillbirth, or neonatal death. Rainbow babies are considered ‘miracle’ babies due to the powerful impact they can have on helping parents heal after a loss. However, rainbow pregnancies can also be emotionally complex and involve feelings of grief and guilt along with relief and excitement. Why Call Them a “Rainbow Baby”? Farren J, Jalmbrant M, Falconieri N, et al. Posttraumatic stress, anxiety and depression following miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy: A multicenter, prospective, cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;222(4):367.e1-367.e22. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2019.10.102 If you've lost a child, experts say it's important to honor your grief and share your mixture of joy and fear when you get pregnant again. Studies find thatgrief after pregnancy loss is no less intense than that experienced after other losses, and may be felt even longer. A healthy weight and proper diet. Talk to your doctor about how you can keep a healthy weight during pregnancy. Often, rainbow babies come with the help of fertility treatments, which can make you gain or lose weight. Staying active brings mental benefits, which can help you cope with anxiety and work through emotions. The people who mourned your loss along with you will likely welcome the news of your rainbow baby with enthusiasm. But even with the best intentions, people may have questions or comments that can upset you. If they haven't been there, they don't know what you're feeling.