EXCLUSIVE: Olympic swimming legend Rebecca Adlington has spoken candidly about the highs and lows of being pregnant again after experiencing multiple devastating miscarriages — admitting she is “cautiously overjoyed” as she prepares to welcome her third child.

The four-time Olympic medalist, who famously became Britain’s most successful female swimmer at the 2008 Beijing Games (BBC Sport), revealed her pregnancy in September and described her unborn baby as a “small miracle.” After suffering two heart-breaking miscarriages over the last three years, the 36-year-old says she and her husband, Andy Parsons, are embracing the joy of this new chapter while acknowledging the emotional complexity that comes with pregnancy after loss — something experts say is extremely common among bereaved parents (NHS Pregnancy After Loss Guidance).

Rebecca is already a devoted mum to 10-year-old Summer, whom she shares with ex-husband Harry Needs, and four-year-old Albie, her son with Andy. Speaking openly, she tells us about her anxiety, her physical limits this time around, the importance of sleep, and why learning to step back has become one of her biggest challenges.

“My daughter is so excited… my son doesn’t fully understand yet.”

“Summer is absolutely over the moon!” Rebecca says with a smile. “Albie doesn’t quite understand the whole nine-months concept. I said to him, ‘It takes nine months,’ and he asked, ‘Is that a long time?’”

Because of her previous miscarriages — including the loss of daughter Harper in 2023 — Rebecca says she has had to learn to acknowledge her fears instead of suppressing them.

“I have spoken to so many people about anxiety during this pregnancy,” she explains. “It’s about accepting it. If I’m worried about something, I know I can see the doctor and get support. A mother’s intuition is a good thing.”

Specialists from organisations such as Tommy’s and Sands say many mothers experience heightened anxiety in pregnancies following loss, making reliable support crucial (Tommy’s UK, Pregnancy After Loss Research).

Swimming star Rebecca admits she's trying to take her foot off the gas this pregnancy(Helen Rose Photography)

Letting Andy do more: “I’m trying to be kinder to myself.”

Rebecca admits taking it easy does not come naturally.

“I think women are natural providers. We want to do everything, run around at a million miles an hour,” she says. “But I’m trying to let Andy do a lot more and take a step back. Sometimes it’s just saying, ‘Mummy needs a half-hour sit-down.’”

She adds that this pregnancy has taught her not to ignore her body’s signals: “It’s important I do the right things for this little one. I’m learning to be gentler with myself.”

Andy is doing a lot of the heavy-lifting, admits the pregnant star

Petals charity: “They helped me reconnect in the hardest moments.”

Rebecca speaks passionately about Petals, the specialist baby-loss counselling charity that supported her after losing Harper. She serves as an ambassador for multiple charities, all closely linked to her personal journey.

“When you become pregnant again, Petals offer brilliant support,” she explains. “There is a counsellor who helps you reconnect during those really difficult periods.”

Charities like Petals and Sands have publicly described Rebecca’s openness as vital in breaking stigma around baby loss, which still affects thousands of families each year (The Guardian, Baby Loss Awareness Week).

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Balancing work, family and pregnancy

Rebecca continues to manage a busy schedule, though the BBC’s major swimming events have paused for now.

“I work full-time in my learn-to-swim company, SwimStars,” she says. “Because I’m the owner, I can work from home a few days a week. Everyone has been so supportive.”

Her advocacy for accessible swimming has been widely praised, particularly after new data from Swim England highlighted a decline in children's swimming proficiency since the pandemic (BBC News, 2024).

Rebecca is making a conscious effort to rest more(Instagram)

Parenting challenges: “Sleep is everything!”

“Sleep has always been huge for me,” Rebecca laughs. “As an athlete, sleep was my number one recovery tool. Even now, I need far more sleep than Andy. He can stay up until midnight — I’m out cold by 10pm.”

While parenting brings its challenges, she says the deeper emotional reward is unmatched.

“People always joked I’d be the ‘bad cop,’ but I’m good cop all the time! The love you feel for your children… it’s like nothing else. Motherhood has brought out the best version of me.”

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Retiring from sport: “There was zero aftercare — just an email.”

Rebecca has spoken before about the emotional shock of retiring from elite sport. Many athletes struggle with identity loss after stepping away from competition, a topic increasingly studied and supported through new programmes (Women’s Health UK; UK Sport Transition Initiatives).

“I retired 12 years ago and there was absolutely nothing — no support, no guidance. I literally got an email. That was it,” she says. “You go from being part of Team GB — the best team in the world — to suddenly having no team.”

She adds that she has since heard things have improved: “There are now people who help athletes with courses, training and education. I’m pleased it’s moving in the right direction.”

The 36-year-old admits there was little aftercare when she retired from sport(Getty Images)

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More reality TV? “I’d love Strictly… but I can’t dance!”

Rebecca has appeared on several reality series, but there’s one show she still dreams of: Strictly Come Dancing.

“I’ve always said I’d love to do Strictly, but I genuinely cannot dance!” she laughs. “I’d be booted off in week one. But the make-up, the hair, the whole production — it looks incredible. I think they could twist my arm.”

Given her competitive spirit and Strictly’s history of athletic contestants, fans might not rule her out just yet.

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Now expecting her “miracle” baby, Rebecca Adlington continues to balance hope with caution. But with supportive family, trusted charities, and a clear sense of what she needs emotionally and physically, she is embracing this new chapter — one day at a time.