Celebrities Who Faced the Heartbreak of Miscarriages in 2020

Sometimes the joy of an expectant mother turns to sorrow, and she has to deal with the loss of her unborn child and go home with empty arms.

Many women, among them celebrities like Meghan Markle, Chrissy Teigen, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and Michelle Branch, went through the heartbreak of a miscarriage in 2020.

These ladies have shared their experiences and their private pain in the hopes that they will be helping other women who have been suffering in silence work through their own grief.

MEGHAN MARKLE

In November 2020, the Duchess of Sussex, married to Prince Harry and mother to an adorable 18-month-old baby boy, shattered a taboo and revealed she had suffered a miscarriage in July:

“Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief, experienced by many but talked about by few.”

The former actress, 39, recounted the heartbreaking moment she realized she was losing her baby, the helplessness and the grief she and her bewildered husband experienced -- a loss they were apparently expected to bear in silence.

Meghan wrote a ground-breaking essay published in "The New York Times," reaching out to the 10 to 20 women in every hundred who experience the agony of a miscarriage, letting them know they are not alone.

Country singer Michelle Branch, 37, revealed that she and husband Patrick Carney had lost their second child together.

CHRISSY TEIGEN

Model Chrissy Teigen, 35, wife to singer John Legend with whom she shares two children, Luna, 4, and Miles 2, was 20 weeks into her third pregnancy in October 2020 when she suffered a placental abruption.

She was told by doctors it was time to say goodbye. Her baby, Jack, could not survive. Chrissy chose to share the photographic record of the experience, made a private pain public, and acknowledged the agony and grief of so many.

KIMBERLY VAN DER BEEK

Like Chrissy, Kimberly Van Der Beek, 38, wife to "Dawson's Creek" actor James David Van Der Beek, went through an agonizing 17-weeks late-term miscarriage, her fifth.

Her husband, with whom she shares 5 children, Olivia, 9, Joshua, 8, Annabel, 6, Emilia, 4, and Gwendolyn, 2, shared their grief. James felt compelled to share his belief that "we have to take better care of each other."

MICHELLE BRANCH

In December 2020, country singer Michelle Branch, 37, revealed that she and husband Patrick Carney had lost their second child together, her first experience with a miscarriage.

The grieving Michelle opened up about her mourning process, during which she counted on the support of her sister and her husband. Michelle has a daughter, Owen, 15, from a previous relationship, and a son Rhys, 2.

SCHEANA SHAY

"Vanderpump Rules" reality star Scheana Shay was six weeks along with a miracle pregnancy when her joy turned to heartbreak. Scheana, 35, started bleeding and was given hormone supplements to try to halt the process.

But despite doctors' best efforts, an ultrasound of her baby shattered her hopes. There was no heartbeat. Scheana confided her and boyfriend Brock Davies' heartbreak at the loss of their "miracle baby."

JOSIE BALKA

“Bringing Up Bates” star Josie Bates, 21, one of the Bates family's 19 children, was pregnant with her second child. She and her husband Kelton Balka already shared daughter Willow, 18 months, and were delighted to give her a sibling.

The couple barely had time to rejoice before receiving the news that their baby was "in heaven" during an ultrasound. Josie has shared her grief at the loss of her little one, a baby she never held but will have in her heart forever.

CATELYNN LOWELL BALTIERRA

In December 2020, "Teen Mom OG" star Catelynn Baltierra shared her pain at the unexpected end of a longed-for pregnancy. The reality star and author had already experienced a traumatic miscarriage in 2017.

Following her first miscarriage, Catelynn, who shares daughters Carly, 11, Nova, 5, and Vaeda Luma, 2, with husband Tyler Baltierra, plunged into depression. This time, she is opening up and reaching out to others who have gone through the same heartbreak.

These brave women's stories have inspired millions of others who have been suffering in silence, ashamed to reveal what many see as a failure. By acknowledging their loss, they've started to heal and helped others to do the same.