Published: March 10, 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online
A pregnant woman from Aberdeen has spoken movingly about preparing for motherhood while coping with the grief of losing her own mother to cancer, saying she “couldn’t imagine becoming a mother without her.”
The woman, who is expecting her first child later this year, shared her experience of navigating pregnancy while still processing the loss of her mother, who died after battling cancer. For her, the transition into motherhood has been marked by both joy and profound sadness.
She explained that throughout her life she had always assumed her mother would be there to guide her through the experience of pregnancy, childbirth and raising a child. The reality of preparing for those milestones without her mother’s presence has been emotionally difficult.
According to the expectant mother, the loss has made the pregnancy period feel bittersweet. While she is excited about welcoming her baby, she says there are moments when the absence of her mother feels especially painful. She described how many of the small milestones in pregnancy – from early scans to preparing a nursery – have reminded her of the conversations she had imagined having with her mum.
Her mother had been diagnosed with cancer several years earlier and underwent treatment before her condition worsened. Family members supported her throughout the illness, but the disease eventually claimed her life, leaving a significant void in the family.
The Aberdeen woman said her mother had always been a central figure in her life and someone she expected would play a major role in helping raise her future children. Losing that support has changed how she approaches the experience of becoming a parent.
Despite the grief, she says she draws strength from the memory of her mother and the values she instilled in her. Friends and relatives have also stepped forward to provide emotional support during the pregnancy, helping her navigate a time that would otherwise feel overwhelming.
Experts in bereavement and maternal health say experiences like this are not uncommon. Pregnancy often brings intense emotional reflection, particularly for women who have lost close family members. The anticipation of motherhood can amplify feelings of loss, especially when someone who would have played a significant role in the child’s life is no longer present.
Health professionals encourage expectant mothers facing bereavement to seek support from family, friends and counselling services if needed. Maintaining open conversations about grief can help individuals process complex emotions while preparing for the responsibilities of parenthood.
For the Aberdeen mother-to-be, remembering her own upbringing has become a source of comfort. She said that while her mother will not be physically present, the lessons she learned from her continue to shape the way she hopes to raise her child.
She has also spoken about wanting to keep her mother’s memory alive for the baby. Photographs, family stories and traditions will play a role in helping the child understand the grandmother they never had the chance to meet.
Friends describe the expectant mother as determined to honour her mother’s legacy by passing down the same care and values she received growing up. The arrival of the baby, they say, will represent not only a new beginning but also a continuation of family bonds that extend across generations.
As she prepares for the birth, she acknowledges that there will always be moments when she wishes her mother were present to share advice or reassurance. Yet she also believes that the love and guidance she received during her childhood will continue to influence her journey as a parent.
For many families touched by cancer, stories like hers highlight the lasting emotional impact the disease can have even after a loved one is gone. At the same time, they also reflect the resilience people show as they navigate life’s milestones while carrying the memory of those they have lost.



























































































