“Her birth was simultaneously the most emotional, difficult and joyful experience of our lives.”
Matt and Abby Howard are opening up about the “devastating” loss of their unborn baby.
The social media influencers and podcast hosts, who have a following of more than 5.3 million on TikTok, took to Instagram on Sept. 27 to share the “unimaginable” news with their fans.
“It is with very heavy hearts that we share about the loss of our baby girl born far too soon,” Abby Howard wrote in the caption.
The early pregnancy loss comes just one month after they announced their third pregnancy on Aug. 20.
“Baby no. 3 is on the way!” they wrote on Instagram at the time. “It somehow almost feels more exciting this third time around because now we truly know just how wonderful it is.”
In her most recent update, Abby Howard revealed that she was at a routine pregnancy appointment when her doctor couldn’t find a heartbeat. An ultrasound shortly after confirmed what the couple feared most.
“I am so sorry I do not have good news,” she recalled their technician saying.
“That is when we got the gender reveal we never hoped for and also the news that our baby had a genetic condition that took her life around 17 weeks gestation,” she added.
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The couple, who were high school sweethearts until tying the knot in 2019, according to People, are already parents to sons Griffin, 3, and August, 2.
“The news felt unimaginable,” Abby Howard continued in her post. “The grief is absolutely devastating. But we feel so much gratitude for the time that we did get to have with her. And we still have hope.”
She went on to thank her fans for their support as they “continue to think of ways to honor her life offline.”
Matt and Abby Howard were looking forward to having a baby girl
On Sept. 9, Matt Howard shared a behind-the-scenes video of the couple’s pregnancy announcement.
The video started with Matt Howard tidying up the house before getting his two sons into their outfits while his wife was getting ready in the bathroom.
In a voiceover, Matt Howard opened up about the most common question the couple receive — whether they wanted a boy or girl.
“I’m one of three brothers, so it just makes sense to me if this baby is a boy. But then again, I would love it if we had a miniature version of Abby running around,” he said in the video.
“We haven’t decided on a baby name yet,” he added. “But why is it that it’s so common for people to name their sons after the father, but nobody’s naming their daughter after the mom?”
Abby Howard agreed in a comment: “You’re right. I think this family needs another Abby.”
Friends, fans and fellow influencers took to the comment section of their most recent update to share their condolences.
“I’m so so sorry… praying for y’all,” Sadie Robertson — who welcomed a baby girl on Aug. 3 — wrote.
“I’m so incredibly sorry ❤️🩹 sending you love and comfort. Here for you,” added Emilie Kiser, whose 3-year-old son Trigg died in a drowning accident in May.
“I am so sorry Abby. This is by far the hardest thing a mama (and dad) can go through!! I am praying for your strength!” wrote Tori Roloff, who experienced a miscarriage in 2021, per Instagram.
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“Love you guys so much,” added Abigail Howard, the wife of Matt Howard’s brother, Caleb Howard.
