Women facing infertility should not endure their struggles in silence. The experience of miscarriage can be profoundly devastating, and while a single loss can be heartbreaking, multiple miscarriages are a burden that no one should bear. Actress Jenna Thompson recently shared her journey through recurrent pregnancy loss and infertility to foster dialogue and reassure others that they are not alone.
At 44, Thompson is candid about her challenges to conceive with her husband, Marcus King. The couple, who have been married since April 2014, has faced difficulties nearly from the start. “For the past three years, my body has felt trapped in a cycle of trying to get pregnant — I’ve either been preparing for an IVF cycle, undergoing one, or recovering from it,” she revealed in an exclusive excerpt from her upcoming memoir, Life’s Unfiltered Moments. “I have had eight or nine miscarriages.”
Thompson, who is a stepmother to King’s children from previous relationships, often reflects on her fertility battles. In a past interview with Family Digest, she mentioned, “So far, it has not happened for us. Many of my friends are in similar situations.” According to RESOLVE.org, recurrent pregnancy loss, defined as the loss of two or more clinical pregnancies, occurs in 15-20% of cases. However, women with a history of two or more losses face a 40% chance of experiencing another miscarriage. In total, around 5% of women will endure at least two consecutive miscarriages, with only 1% suffering three or more.
Initially, Thompson did not envision herself becoming a parent. “Then I became a stepmom, and I found joy in that role,” she shared. She also addressed the incessant inquiries about when she plans to have children. “People often ask, ‘Do you want kids?’” she noted. “For many, especially those struggling with fertility, it’s easier to say ‘no’ than to delve into painful realities. While people generally mean well, they often don’t comprehend the frustration it can cause.”
Despite the heartache, Thompson’s message is one of hope. She and King “are filled with love and remain committed to welcoming the child we’ve always envisioned.” If you’re exploring your own fertility options, consider checking out resources like Healthline for more information. Additionally, you might find helpful insights at Intracervical Insemination for home insemination tips or explore Make a Mom for products designed to enhance fertility.
In summary, Jenna Thompson bravely shares her experience with multiple miscarriages and the emotional toll of infertility, aiming to support others in similar situations. Through her story, she emphasizes hope and love as she continues her journey to parenthood.