Former Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon-Cho’s path to motherhood reads like a testament to human perseverance. At 44, she’s finally experiencing the joy of pregnancy — though the journey there has been anything but straightforward.
Behind the beaming Instagram announcement lies a story that resonates deeply with countless women facing similar struggles. McClarnon-Cho’s candid revelations about multiple miscarriages and grueling IVF treatments shed light on a reality that’s far removed from her days of pop stardom.
“The whole process made me truly appreciate that having a baby is a miracle,” she shared recently. And miracle might be just the right word. After three failed embryo transfers in 2022 and two heart-wrenching miscarriages, the singer found herself spiraling into what she describes as “a dark hole” — a stark contrast to the bubbly persona fans remember from her ’90s heyday.
The physical and emotional toll proved overwhelming. While dealing with the private struggles of fertility treatments, McClarnon-Cho faced the added burden of public scrutiny. Weight gain from the treatments drew cruel online comments, leading her to withdraw. “I didn’t want the IVF to become my identity,” she explained, touching on a sentiment many women in similar situations understand all too well.
But amid the darkness, a love story bloomed. Her relationship with Peter Cho — a doctor she connected with on Hinge during those strange Covid days — proved to be her anchor. Their whirlwind romance, moving from virtual dates to living together in mere months, provided the foundation she needed for the challenging journey ahead.
After their last miscarriage, something shifted. “I said I was ‘done,’” McClarnon-Cho recalled. Her husband’s response speaks volumes about their partnership: “This is your body, and I’ll support whatever you decide you want.”
Now well into her second trimester (as of early 2025), McClarnon-Cho approaches impending motherhood with refreshing honesty. “I’m so grateful, but I’m also petrified,” she admits — words that likely echo the thoughts of many expectant mothers, especially those over 40. She’s taking no chances, maintaining a rigorous schedule of monitoring for pre-eclampsia and daily blood-thinning injections.
Her decision to share the darker aspects of her fertility journey on social media marks a departure from the usual glossy pregnancy announcements. Within hours, thousands responded to her raw honesty about “loss after so much hope” — proving that vulnerability often creates the strongest connections.
For the Liverpool-born singer, this new chapter represents more than just personal transformation. While she still occasionally performs those beloved Atomic Kitten hits, she’s now stepping into a different kind of spotlight — one that illuminates the often-silent struggles of fertility treatments and later-life pregnancy.
As she awaits the reveal of her baby’s gender, McClarnon-Cho maintains that practical spirit that’s carried her through. “It’s happened to women older than me before, and it’ll happen again — so we’ll just get on with it!” she says with characteristic determination. Perhaps it’s this blend of honesty and resilience that makes her story so compelling, offering hope to others navigating similar paths.
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