Laura Levänen shares journey of loss and hope after stillbirth in Finland

Laura Levänen always envisioned herself as a good mother. When the couple decided to have a child in 2019, they quickly became excited about pregnancy. An ultrasound at nine weeks confirmed a healthy heartbeat, and the couple began to dream of life with their baby. However, underlying fear lingered: anything could happen.

Just before the midpoint of her pregnancy, Laura fell ill with strange flu-like symptoms and vomiting. Initially misdiagnosed with a kidney infection, doctors later revealed that the true cause of her symptoms remained unknown. The baby’s wellbeing was not assessed, which felt odd to Laura. Soon after, she experienced abdominal tightening and was reassured by the staff it was likely harmless. Nevertheless, she sought further examination and was confronted with alarming news: labor was beginning far too early.

Despite efforts to delay the delivery, Laura was confined to bed rest for eight days, emotionally torn as she lay in the hospital. Sadly, at only twenty weeks of gestation, her son was delivered stillborn.

Filled with shock and despair after experiencing a second tragic loss, the couple sought medical answers and discovered Laura had cervical incompetence, which prevented the pregnancy from lasting. For their next pregnancy, a cervical stitch was placed, instilling a glimmer of hope amidst the grief.

Laura shared her story on social media, fostering connections with others who had experienced similar losses, leading to the creation of a support group for those affected by miscarriage. Today, despite the past’s heartache, Laura holds a living daughter, a testament to resilience and hope. Though she embodies her dream of motherhood, the pain of loss continues to resonate.