Pregnancy After Loss: Facing the Fear and Holding Onto Hope

Pregnancy after loss is one of the bravest things a person can do.

It’s messy. It’s vulnerable. It’s full of unknowns.

And it’s also deeply courageous.

After a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, the decision to try again often feels like a tug-of-war between hope and fear. One moment you’re longing for new life. The next? You’re bracing for more heartbreak. As one of our counselors says, “I’m scared if I do, and I’m scared if I don’t.”

That’s not weakness. That’s humanity.

In this heartfelt conversation, Emily Pardy, founder of Ready Nest Counseling in Nashville, sits down with Sarah McNamara, Clinical Director in Knoxville, to explore the emotional complexities of trying to conceive after pregnancy loss.

Why Pregnancy After Loss Feels So Different

One of the first things loss takes from you is your naivety.

You no longer carry the belief that pregnancy always leads to a healthy baby. Now, you carry the truth that bad things can happen—did happen. And that awareness? It changes everything.

So trying again means consciously stepping toward something that may bring pain. That takes a different kind of strength.

Anxiety Is Not a Prediction

Anxiety is such a faithful companion during this journey, isn’t it? It shows up with all the what ifs.

What if something goes wrong again?

What if I can’t handle it?

But anxiety—though so loud—doesn’t get to predict the future.

It’s just your brain trying to protect your heart.

It doesn’t mean you’re broken.

It doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

It simply means you’ve been through something really hard, and your brain remembers.

We help clients zoom out from that anxiety. To say, “Yes, I’m scared—and I can also hold space for hope.”

The Power of the Pendulum

If you’ve been swinging toward worst-case scenarios, try swinging in the other direction:

What if this pregnancy goes beautifully?

What if this baby comes home and fills your house with laughter?

What if Gerber puts their face on a baby food jar because they’re that cute?

Yes, those are “what ifs,” too.

Neither extreme is the full story.

But between them is the space of curiosity. Of maybe. Of I don’t know yet.

And that space, while uncomfortable, is where possibility lives.

You Are Already Strong

Trying again after loss is not something you have to do.

But if you’re doing it—if you’re even thinking about doing it—then let’s just name this truth:

You’re already strong.

You’re already brave.

Even in your fear. Even in your doubt. Even if you cry every day or check every symptom 17 times.

You’re not failing.

You’re surviving.

And you’re hoping—even if that hope feels shaky and small right now.

You’re Not Alone

This is gritty, emotional, unpredictable work.

But you don’t have to go through it alone.

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Whether you’re just beginning to think about trying again, in the middle of a rainbow pregnancy, or navigating the waves of grief and hope—Ready Nest is here for you. With open arms. With compassion. With no judgment.

Because we believe in your strength.

And we believe in your story. 💕