Pregnant Leigh Arnold is keeping positive ahead of birth

As the pregnant star's September due date edges closer, she is trying to stay strong in spite of her grief after losing little Flynn back in 2013.

"My perspective is completely different this time around because I don't take anything for granted.

"It's a very emotional time for both me and [my husband] Steve because in many ways it brings things back, but we're trying to make this a celebration of new life and a new start," she said.

"I know that the likelihood of anything happening again is very, very slim so I'm trying my best to be strong."

The Dublin native, who is also mother to three-year-old Hunter, hopes to be seen as an inspiration to others going through rough times.

"I don't want people to ever think that you can't be brave and you can't get through something," said Leigh (35).

"If people are going to look at me and say, 'she's been through so much in her life' and then see me being positive, that might give them some hope."

While she tries to stay upbeat, the Deception actress said she struggles to deal with nasty comments written about her online.

"If I see something nasty about myself it really hurts. I don't google myself anymore because sometimes ignorance is bliss - why would I want to look at something that will make me feel crappy for the rest of the day?" she told Irish Country Magazine.