**Love Island’s Olivia Bowen Celebrates Community Support as She Prepares for Baby Girl Following Difficult Pregnancy**
Former Love Island contestant Olivia Bowen has issued an update on her pregnancy journey, reflecting on both the poignant lows and uplifting highs she has experienced over the past few months. The 31-year-old reality star, who rose to fame on the popular ITV show, took to social media to share her thoughts as she and husband Alex Bowen prepare to welcome their second child, a baby girl, later this summer.
Olivia, who already shares a young son named Abel Jacob with Alex, spoke candidly about the challenges she faced, particularly after suffering from Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS) during the early stages of her current pregnancy. This medical condition, which is estimated to affect around 36% of twin pregnancies, occurs when one foetus in a multiple pregnancy is lost and absorbed by the mother’s body or the surviving twin. Olivia’s willingness to discuss this experience publicly has resonated with many followers, with her heartfelt messages striking a chord with other women who have encountered similar heartbreak.
In her latest Instagram update, Olivia shared how preparations for her daughter’s arrival are progressing. “The prep for Baby Girl is really coming together. The nursery’s ready, her little clothes are washed and put away, and bottles are all set,” she wrote. Olivia paid tribute to the friends, family, and wider support network who have rallied around her during both joyous and trying times, remarking: “It brings back so many memories of when our village helped us feed Abe… It’s not just about the practical things. It’s about feeling surrounded, lifted, and supported.”
She continued to highlight the importance of community, reflecting on how essential the support she received was for her wellbeing. “This time around, I know our people will be just as wonderful,” Olivia mused, adding a personal note about her husband: “I can already picture Daddy giving Baby Girl her first bottle while I sneak off for a much-needed nap. He’s the one who keeps us going, always with a cup of tea, a kind word, or a laugh. It really does take a village, and I’m so grateful for mine.”
Olivia has exhibited openness about her mental health struggles. She addressed her longstanding battles with depression and anxiety that worsened during her earlier pregnancy and in her role as a new mother. “I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety from my teen years onwards,” she confessed in a previous statement, “and when it hit hard during my pregnancy with Abel, I was terrified. The darkness felt overwhelming.” She added that even after giving birth, those emotions persisted, demonstrating her encouragement for others to seek support.
Reflecting on the grief brought by Vanishing Twin Syndrome, Olivia shared that the experience prompted an unprecedented mix of emotions. “Going through the loss of one of our precious babies this year was the most complex set of feelings I’ve ever had,” she described. Despite this, Olivia has found inspiration in the solidarity shown by women who reached out with their own stories. “Don’t be ashamed of your emotions. Feeling so deeply is incredible. It’s scary to be vulnerable, but connection brings us through. Please look out for the women and mothers in your life.”
Medical specialists note that Vanishing Twin Syndrome can often go undetected, especially if it occurs before the first routine ultrasound scan. The Cleveland Clinic advises that symptoms such as light bleeding, cramps, or pelvic pain may be warning signs, mostly arising from genetic factors present at conception. Usually, neither the remaining baby nor the mother experiences physical complications following VTS in the early stages, and pregnancies often proceed without further incident.
As Olivia and Alex Bowen anticipate the arrival of their daughter, she remains steadfast in her gratitude for the “village” that continues to surround her and her family. Her honesty in sharing both the joy and heartache of her pregnancy journey has made her a source of comfort and encouragement for many, spotlighting the importance of communal support through life’s most significant moments.
Across social media, messages of support continue to pour in for the couple, commending Olivia’s bravery in speaking openly about subjects often shrouded in silence. For many mothers facing similar struggles, her words offer reassurance that they are not alone in their experiences.
The Bowens are preparing to welcome their second child into the world in the coming months, carrying with them not only the lessons of loss but also the strength that comes from a community united in care.