Olivia Bowen says preparations for her baby girl are ‘really coming together’ after what she calls ‘the most complicated batch of emotions’ she’s ever experienced.
The former Love Island star, 31, is expecting her second child with husband Alex Bowen this summer.
The couple, already parents to son Abel Jacob, began this pregnancy with twins, but Olivia revealed earlier this year she suffered Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS), a condition in which one embryo is lost early on, leaving just one developing fetus.
Speaking to fans on Instagram, Olivia said the nursery is ready, ‘her little clothes are washed and folded, and we’ve got her bottles ready to go.’ The preparations, she admitted, stirred powerful memories of when Abel was born.
‘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,’ she wrote. ‘It was never just about the feeds – it was about feeling supported, surrounded, and lifted up.’
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Olivia said she already pictures Alex 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.’
Vanishing Twin Syndrome, which effects around 36% of twin pregnancies, is usually caused by DNA abnormalities in one twin. It can happen without any symptoms, and that was the case for Olivia – who only learned of the loss at a scan.
She previously shared how the loss effected her mental health: ‘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 told followers.
‘I felt like that darkness was taking over and pulling me down with both paws.’
After giving birth to Abel, she said, ‘I felt it again… 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.’
What is Vanishing Twin Syndrome?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Vanishing Twin Syndrome is:
‘When one of the twins or multiple embryos dies in utero, disappear or get resorbed partially or entirely, with an outcome of a spontaneous reduction of a multi-fetus pregnancy to a singleton pregnancy, portraying the image of a vanishing twin.
‘This phenomenon occurs in about half of pregnancies with three or more gestational sacs, 36% twin pregnancies, and 20 to 30% of pregnancies achieved with assisted reproductive techniques.’
However, despite these lows, Olivia shared that since speaking out, she’s been ‘utterly astounded’ by the number of women who’ve reached out with similar experiences.
Her advice: ‘Never be ashamed of your emotions. It is the most incredible thing about you – being able to feel so deeply. 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.’
For Olivia, this summer is now about focusing on joy, family, and welcoming her daughter – with her ‘village’ ready to support her every step of the way.
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