What is a rainbow baby and why are they special Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is a rainbow baby and why are they special Medically reviewed by Danielle Wade, LCSW — By Amanda Barrell on July 28, 2022A rainbow baby is a healthy baby born to a parent or family who has previously lost a child to miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. The term refers to a baby’s ability to help the parent or family heal after experiencing trauma. In recent years, some people have started to use the phrase “rainbow baby” to refer to a baby who is born after the death of a previous baby. It means that the baby offers hope and healing after a dark and traumatic time. Rainbow babies can also stir up complex feelings and emotions. People may feel grief and guilt, as well as relief and excitement. What is a rainbow baby Share on PinterestKristina Dominianni/OffsetA rainbow baby is a baby born to a family that has lost a previous baby to any of the following: Miscarriage When a baby dies in the womb before week 20 of pregnancy, doctors call this a miscarriage. Around 10 to 15 of all pregnancies that the pregnant parent is aware of end in miscarriage. Miscarriage occurs most frequently in the first trimester. Infant death Infant death, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), describes the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than 1 year in age. According to the Centers for Disease Control, it affects about 3,400 babies in the United States every year. Stillbirth Stillbirth is the death of a baby either shortly before or during delivery. Every year, around 24,000 babies are stillborn each year in the US. That equates to about 1 in every 160 births. However, most pregnant parents who experience stillbirth are able to become pregnant again, and many will do so within a year. Neonatal death Neonatal death is the death of a baby before they reach their first birthday. Doctors sometimes call this infant mortality. In the US in 2020, the infant mortality rate was 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. That means for every 1,000 babies born alive, 5.4 died before they were a year old. Causes of neonatal death may include heart defects, injuries, or genetic health conditions. Whatever the cause, losing a baby is an incredibly traumatic time for a parent or family. People may find it hard to believe or accept, and they may feel angry, confused, or sad. The grief can sometimes be overwhelming. However, many pregnant parents who experience the loss of a baby are able to become pregnant again. Where does the name rainbow baby come from The baby loss community coined the term “rainbow baby” because the child signifies fresh hope and joy after a period of grief and trauma. It reflects the well-known saying that a rainbow always follows a rainstorm. Rainbow babies and mixed emotions Rainbow babies often prompt mixed emotions in people. People may have conflicting feelings, including guilt, relief, and excitement, sometimes all at once. This is perfectly normal. It is important to remember the excitement for the new arrival and grief for the lost baby are both valid emotions and are by no means mutually exclusive. Tips to help people through the grieving process include:doing something to remember a lost baby, such as planting a tree, or framing hand and footprintsmarking Rainbow Baby Day, on the 22 August each year, by sharing the story online, or with friends and familyfinding and joining a local support group. It can be very helpful to speak with people who have had similar experiences Anxiety when pregnant with a rainbow baby According to a 2018 review of studies, up to 26% of pregnant people experience some form of anxiety. However, this is often much higher in those who have lost a baby in the past. People may worry about history repeating itself, or having to endure the grief all over again. This is natural but there is help out there for people dealing with these feelings. Helpful relaxation strategies include practicing breathing exercises, meditation, slowly counting to 10, or focusing on a soothing word, such as “peace” or “calm.” Pregnancy-safe exercise, whether it be a brisk walk, a cycle, or a yoga class, can also help to relieve anxiety. People can also try talking about their feelings with:familyfriendsa healthcare professionala counselor Sometimes it can help to speak with people who have been through a similar experience. Groups such as Pregnancy After Loss Support (PALS) offer online and in-person support groups. Monitoring a rainbow baby during pregnancy Depending on the reason for the loss of a baby, doctors may want to monitor a rainbow baby during pregnancy. This will be different for everybody, so the best thing a pregnant person can do is talk with their healthcare team about their individual circumstances. Patient advocacy group March of Dimes offers the following advice to people who feel they are ready to get pregnant again after losing a baby:get a preconception checkuptake a multivitamin that contains 400 mg of folic acid every dayeat a balanced dietdo something active every daydo not smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs Why do people feel rainbow babies are special The baby loss community often refers to rainbow babies as miracle babies. This is because they represent light and hope after a dark and traumatic time and their arrival can mark the beginning of a time for healing and the start of a new chapter. However, the birth of a rainbow baby and the joy and healing they bring does not mean that a parent or family can or should forget previous pregnancies or babies who have passed. People all grieve in their own way, and a person may or may not carry the grief of a lost pregnancy or baby with them for the rest of their lives. There is no shame in this. Even after the birth of a rainbow baby people can still honor and treasure the memory of a pregnancy or baby they lost. Summary The baby loss community often uses the term rainbow baby to mean a baby born to a family that has previously lost a child to miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, or neonatal death. The term symbolizes fresh hope and light after a dark and traumatic time. Families can often experience mixed feelings when expecting a rainbow baby. The excitement may be tied up with feelings of guilt, for example. They may also feel anxious about the impending birth. Both are perfectly normal. Many people find it helps to speak with someone who has had a similar experience through online or in-person support groups. Last medically reviewed on July 28, 2022Pregnancy / ObstetricsParenthoodGetting PregnantPregnancy ComplicationsPregnancy HealthMedically reviewed by Danielle Wade, LCSW — By Amanda Barrell on July 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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