‘Bachelor’ Alum Ben Higgins and Wife Jessica Clarke Welcome Their 1st Baby

A New Addition: Ben Higgins and Jessica Clarke Welcome Their Baby Girl

Former Bachelor star Ben Higgins and his wife, Jessica Clarke, have embarked on a new chapter in their lives as they welcome their first child together. On Wednesday, February 12, Higgins took to Instagram to share the heartwarming news of the arrival of their baby girl. In a touching post, he revealed, "Update and more to come, but baby girl Higgins has entered the world." Accompanying the announcement was a photo capturing an emotional moment between Higgins and Clarke following the birth of their daughter. Higgins expressed gratitude for the health of both mother and baby, writing, "She is healthy. @jessclarke_ is doing so well."

Higgins, who is clearly smitten with their newborn, couldn’t help but gush about her beauty, adding, "I am biased, but God spent a little more time on our baby girl because she’s real beautiful!" He humorously noted that their little one would need a bath before her official debut to the world. The couple’s journey to parenthood has been a highly anticipated one, and fans of the former Bachelor star are thrilled to see this new milestone in their lives.

The Journey to Parenthood: A Planned and Blessed Path

The road to becoming parents was not a spontaneous one for Higgins and Clarke. The couple, who began dating in late 2018, announced Clarke’s pregnancy in August 2024 with a joint Instagram post. The announcement featured a heartfelt video showcasing special moments from their relationship, culminating in a sonogram image with the caption, "Baby girl coming in February ❤️."

Higgins later revealed that the couple had conceived their baby through intrauterine insemination (IUI), a fertility treatment they had planned for. In an interview with Us Weekly, Higgins confessed, "We planned this, and we didn’t know how many steps we’d have to take. We didn’t know how much help we’d have to get." The couple drew inspiration from friends who had struggled with infertility, which motivated them to be proactive in their journey to parenthood.

Despite the challenges they anticipated, Higgins shared that the process was smoother than expected. "We set that date and we started trying, and it happened for us easier than we expected," he said. The couple expressed their gratitude for the blessing of their baby girl, with Higgins admitting, "We have a lot to be really fortunate about and really excited for."

Ben Higgins’ Emotional Journey to Fatherhood

Ben Higgins, known for his sensitivity and emotional depth, has been open about his feelings as he prepares to become a dad. In the lead-up to their baby’s arrival, Higgins confessed that he was "terrified" of becoming a father to a daughter. "With a girl, there’s 1,000 worst-case scenarios in my mind, and I know she’s gonna break my heart," he shared. He explained that his fear stemmed from the overwhelming love he felt, acknowledging that his heart would be "so full" that it would inevitably be broken, but in the best way possible.

Higgins, who has always been emotionally expressive, even admitted that his sensitivity has been a running joke in his family. "I’m a crier," he said, adding that he often jokes about becoming "a pile of tears and mush forever" as a dad. His candidness about his emotions highlights the vulnerability and excitement he feels as he steps into this new role.

Jessica Clarke: A Pillar of Strength and Gratitude

While Higgins has been open about his fears and excitement, Jessica Clarke has approached her pregnancy with a remarkable sense of positivity and gratitude. Higgins praised his wife’s resilience and spirit, noting, "She is still in a good mood and looks at it as a gift and a blessing that she’s pregnant." He marveled at her ability to remain optimistic even on tougher days, saying, "It’s such a crazy thing because if I was pregnant, I would never be able to do it. So, to see her just have this spirit of gratefulness through the whole thing has been really educational for me. I’ve learned a lot from her."

Clarke’s steadfast attitude has not only inspired Higgins but also set the tone for their new family. Her ability to view pregnancy as a gift reflects the couple’s shared joy and readiness to embrace this new chapter in their lives.

From The Bachelor to Building a Family

For fans of The Bachelor, Ben Higgins is a familiar face. He first appeared on Kaitlyn Bristowe’s season 11 of The Bachelorette in 2015, where he quickly became a fan favorite with his charming and genuine personality. The following year, he starred as the lead of season 20 of The Bachelor, where he proposed to Lauren Bushnell. The two were engaged from November 2015 to May 2017 before parting ways amicably.

Higgins’ journey on The Bachelor was marked by his sincerity and emotional depth, qualities that have carried over into his personal life. After meeting Jessica Clarke in late 2018, the couple’s relationship blossomed, leading to their engagement in March 2020 and their wedding in November 2021. Now, as they welcome their first child, fans are reminded of the genuine love and commitment that Higgins has always embodied.

The Next Chapter: Embracing Life as New Parents

With the arrival of their baby girl, Ben Higgins and Jessica Clarke are ready to embark on the most rewarding and challenging journey of their lives: parenthood. Higgins, who has been vocal about his fears and excitement, is prepared to dive headfirst into this new role, even if it means embracing his emotional side. Clarke’s strength and positivity will undoubtedly anchor the family as they navigate the ups and downs of raising their little one.

As they start this new chapter, the couple’s love story continues to inspire those who have followed their journey. From the highs of their wedding day to the milestone of welcoming their first child, Higgins and Clarke are proof that love, when nurtured with care and commitment, can lead to the most beautiful and fulfilling moments. Here’s to their new adventure—to late-night feedings, first smiles, and all the memories yet to be made. Congratulations to the Higgins family!