"Little one, we are so excited to meet you."

Pretty Little Liars star Shay Mitchell has announced her pregnancy. The 34-year-old is expecting her second child with long-term partner Matte Babel. She shared the news on social media on Monday night with a series of stunning photographs showing her bump as she reflected on "the great cycle of life". It comes shortly after the death of her grandmother, who she described as “one of the most important people” in her life.

"Saying goodbye to a loved one while simultaneously experiencing the joy of welcoming another into this world is the great cycle of life," Shay wrote.

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“It is also my most challenging season to date. I can’t help but think this was the universe’s plan all along, knowing I would need other worldly joy to cushion the blow of losing one of the most important people in my life.

“Yet, this is proof that love, life and loss can profoundly exist all at the same time.

“Gram, I miss you every day. Little one, we are so excited to meet you.

“I breathe a sigh of peace knowing you two are already connected in such a cosmic way.”

Friends and fans rushed to the comments to congratulate the actress. Her Pretty Little Liar co-star Tyler Blackburn wrote: “Shay!!! Sending you guys love." "My heart is sending you all the love, support and hugs in every way,” said actress Bailee Madison. Meanwhile, Brenda Song added: “Congrats, Shay!!!” Shay and her partner Matte already have a daughter, Atlas Noa, who was born in October 2019. The actress shared the news of her grandmother’s passing to Instagram just one week before her pregnancy announcement, telling fans she was completely heartbroken. "Although inevitable, it would nevertheless be one of the hardest things I would ever have to go through the day she’d pass," she said. "She was and will forever be my best friend... My heart is broken."