```html Perrie Edwards Opens Up About "Traumatic" Miscarriage at 24 Weeks

Little Mix star Perrie Edwards has revealed the devastating experience of losing a baby at 24 weeks into pregnancy, describing the trauma as leaving her "a wreck." The singer shared her story on Paul C Brunson's "We Need To Talk" podcast, highlighting the emotional impact and praising fellow musician Myleene Klass for her advocacy work in raising miscarriage awareness.

Heartbreak After Five Months

Edwards, 32, recounted becoming pregnant less than a year after the birth of her son, Axel, in August 2021. A routine scan after the five-month mark revealed the baby's heart had stopped beating. "I remember sobbing. I couldn't see straight. I was just distraught. We basically lost the baby at, like, 24 weeks," she said, fighting back tears.

She described the scan as "an out of body experience," struggling to process the doctor's words until her fiancé, former Liverpool footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, reacted with visible grief. Edwards also revealed that Axel, now approaching his fourth birthday, is a "rainbow baby," a term for a child born after a previous loss.

Earlier Miscarriage and the Impact of Late-Term Loss

The singer disclosed that she had previously experienced an early miscarriage before conceiving Axel. "I had a miscarriage very early on with my first ever pregnancy," she explained, adding that while the initial loss was upsetting, it didn't affect her as profoundly as the later miscarriage at 24 weeks. "I think when you're fully carrying and you're 24 weeks and you've planned out their room and all these things, it's really hard."

Edwards explained that she had kept the details private, only sharing with close friends and family until now. She said she was coming forward to share her experience and help other women who have gone through this.

The Broader Context of Miscarriage in the UK

Edwards' experience underscores the painful reality faced by many women in the UK. Statistics show that approximately one in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage. A 2017 report highlighted inconsistencies in aftercare for women who have experienced pregnancy loss, leading to feelings of misinformation and distress during a vulnerable time. In response, the Department of Health and Social Care introduced a pilot scheme in 2024 to provide medical intervention for women after every miscarriage.

Expert Perspective: The Need for Improved Support

Dr. Sarah Vohra, a clinical psychologist specializing in reproductive mental health, emphasizes the need for comprehensive support for women experiencing miscarriage. "The emotional and psychological impact of miscarriage can be profound and long-lasting," Dr. Vohra told BBC Entertainment. "It's crucial that women receive adequate emotional support, access to counselling services, and understanding from their healthcare providers and wider support networks. The pilot scheme offering medical intervention is a positive step, but it needs to be accompanied by a holistic approach that addresses the mental health needs of those affected."

Historical Context: Shifting Attitudes Towards Miscarriage

Historically, miscarriage was often a taboo subject, shrouded in silence and stigma. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to break the silence and raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of pregnancy loss. Celebrities like Myleene Klass have played a significant role in this shift, sharing their own experiences and advocating for improved support services. This increased openness has helped to normalize conversations about miscarriage and create a more supportive environment for those who have experienced it.

Reflecting on Past Relationships and Future Hopes

During the podcast, Edwards also reflected on her past relationship with One Direction star Zayn Malik. She described the relationship, which ended in 2015, as "toxic" and said it initially made her hesitant to enter into another relationship. She is now engaged to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Despite the heartbreak she has endured, Edwards expressed hope for the future. Inspired by Myleene Klass's advocacy, she said, "If I'm blessed enough to have another baby in the future, it makes me feel that they're still a part of it in some way."

If you or someone you know has been affected by these issues, visit BBC Action Line for information and support. ```