The former Love Islander, 31, said she is ‘so grateful’ for those around her
Olivia Bowen has given fans a pregnancy update, following her devastating battle with Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS). The former Love Islander, 31, said preparations for her baby girl are now ‘really coming together’ and thanked those who have supported her through tough times.
Olivia and husband Alex, who are already parents of Abel Jacob, are expecting their second child this summer. Posting on Instagram yesterday, Olivia said: “The prep for Baby Girl is really coming together… the nursery’s done, her little clothes are washed and folded, and we’ve got her bottles ready to go thanks to @philipsavent.
“It brings back so many memories of when our village helped feed Abe.. those quiet, lovely moments where family could bond with him, and I could have a much-needed breather too. It was never just about the feeds, it was about feeling supported, surrounded, and lifted up.
“This time around, I know our people will be just as amazing. I can already picture Daddy giving Baby Girl her first bottle (while I sneak off for that much-needed nap). He’s the one who keeps us going, always showing up with a cup of tea, a kind word, or a belly laugh with Abel. It really does take a village, and I’m so grateful for mine.”
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Olivia’s uplifting post arrives after she grappled with Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS) during the first weeks of her pregnancy. This devastating condition happens when one twin in a multiple pregnancy disappears, leaving only one embryo.
It is a form of miscarriage occurring in approximately 36 per cent of twin pregnancies, where the affected fetus is absorbed either by the surviving twin or by the mother’s body. Earlier this year, Olivia said she’d felt the ‘most complicated batch of emotions’ she’d ever known during the pregnancy.
“I have battled with depression and anxiety for most of my teen years onwards, and when I felt its ugly head rising stronger than I’d ever felt when I was pregnant with Abel, I was absolutely terrified,” she wrote in a separate Instagram post.
“I felt like that darkness was taking over and pulling me down with both paws. I felt it again after giving birth, have felt it intermittently throughout motherhood. It’s not just the hormones, it’s the whole expectation, the change, and the world feeling different to what you have experienced your whole life.
“Then fast forward to this year, losing one of our precious babies to Vanishing Twin Syndrome and going through the most complicated batch of emotions I’ve ever felt.”
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Despite the challenges she’d faced, Olivia has been utterly astounded by the response of other women who have grappled with similar experiences. “Never be ashamed of your emotions. It is the most incredible thing about you – being able to feel so deeply,” she continued.
“It is so scary to be so vulnerable, isn’t it? This is a crazy ride and sometimes it’s beautiful and rewarding and sometimes it’s cruel and confusing. I’m here for you all. Please look after the women and mothers in your life.”
Although Olivia had no VTS symptoms, the Cleveland Clinic indicates that light bleeding, cramps, and pain in the back and pelvis could be warning signs. The condition usually results from DNA abnormalities in one twin that impair its growth. Sadly, these issues are typically present from conception and cannot be changed or managed.
“If the embryo disappears in the first trimester, neither you nor your surviving foetus will likely experience any complications,” the clinic explains. “Your pregnancy will continue as usual… It’s possible to be pregnant with multiples and to miscarry one or more of the embryos before your first pregnancy ultrasound.
“In this case, neither you nor your provider will know you were pregnant with twins or triplets.”