Unfortunate news from the world of big family reality TV: Michelle Duggar has suffered a miscarriage. The matriarch of the series now known as 19 Kids and Counting had been expecting a child in April.

Her husband, Jim Bob Duggar, told Us Weekly, “Earlier today at a routine doctor’s appointment, Michelle and I received the sad news that we lost the baby. Michelle is resting comfortably at home with the support of the entire family. We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, but ask for privacy during this difficult time.”

The Duggars have long said that they believe children are a gift, and would take no steps to limit the size of their family. However, Michelle’s previous pregnancy was fraught with health issues for both mother and baby. Daughter Josie was delivered at 25 weeks, a good three months premature, due to Michelle’s declining condition. Michelle is now 45, so 19 kids may be as large as the Duggars will get.

Tags: 19 kids and counting, jim bob duggar, michelle duggar