PHOTOSCrazy Celeb Pregnancy Stories — And What To Do If They Happen To You!
April 3 2018, Published 2:40 p.m. ET
Pregnancy is a magical time in many women's lives, but that doesn't mean that it comes without its challenges, even for Hollywood's hottest celebs! In her new book, Pregnancy, OMG!, best-selling author Nancy Redd provides a detailed and medically-researched account of all of the things that can happen when you're creating life. It's the ultimate baker's how-to for anyone who's got a bun in the oven. Click through for some of the craziest celeb pregnancy complications, and general advice on how to deal with the whirlwind 9 month adventure to motherhood.
Kate Middleton suffered from severe morning sickness during all three of her pregnancies. The condition is known as NVP or nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. "For most women, the symptoms subside in the second trimester; 20 percent of women, however, have them throughout their entire pregnancy — either as nausea alone or combined with vomiting. When the sickness is severe, it's known as hyperemesis gravidarum."
Even the super active princess has found herself sidelined by nausea, missing out on royal events. "NVP is emotionally exhausting," Nancy explains. "If this sounds like you, activate your support system, and let your friends and family (and your boss if you have one) know that you're not flaking out — you're just temporarily chained to a toilet."
Kim Kardashian suffered from a multitude of complications over the course of her two pregnancies, including preeclampsia. The reality star spoke openly about her rough experience while expecting, saying, “I'm gonna keep it real: For me, pregnancy is the worst experience of my life... The swelling, the backaches or just the complete mindf—k of how your body expands and nothing fits. I just always feel like I'm not in my own skin. It's hard to explain.”
Kim isn't alone. "Up to 8 percent of pregnant women suffer from preeclampsia," Nancy reveals. "Preeclampsia can restrict blood flow to the placenta, causing the baby to be underweight. It can also cause preterm birth, which may in turn involve post-delivery complications for the baby."
Symptoms include swelling, high blood pressure, and chest pains among others. "If you have any of these symptoms during your pregnancy, seek medical attention right away, and specifically tell your doctor your concern about possible preeclampsia," Nancy suggests.
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In 2013, Jenna Dewan Tatum revealed that she was having strange dreams while pregnant. "OK my fellow preggars ladies.. about these hormonal dreams," she wrote on social media. "Is it normal to fly on a magic carpet while presenting at Golden Globes?? Lol."
Jenna certainly is not alone in experiencing colorful dreams while pregnant, but for some, these dreams are not quite as pleasant as riding on a magic carpet. In fact, some women find themselves afflicted with terrible nightmares! "Late in pregnancy, many women report dreaming of being trapped in a small space, thought to be an expression of how the mother perceives her baby to feel," Nancy explains. "Although you probably won't be able to stop nightmares from happening entirely, you can strive to reduce their frequency with physical exercise, doctor-approved massage, and meditation — all smart ways to promote healthy pregnancy, too."
Khloe Kardashian is suffering from gender disappointment! According to an insider, “She really wanted a boy and that’s what she was expecting... She was definitely disappointed."
Khloe isn't the only expecting mom who had a strong gender preference. "Many moms-to-be are fibbing when they say that all they want is 'a healthy baby,'" Nancy reveals. "In fact, over the past seventy years, thousands of women who were surveyed overwhelmingly desired a male if they could only have one child. On the flip side, female babies were requested by up to 80 percent of women who chose the gender of their fetus through sex-selection techniques — frequently to 'balance out' their family if they already had one or more boys."
So what do you do if you don't get your first choice? "Recognize that it is perfectly OK to be disappointed. It doesn't mean you don't love your baby, and it doesn't mean that karma is going to bring harm on your home," Nancy says. "Have faith in your ability to love any child you carry. Any guilt or discontent you are feeling will not last long," she adds, recommending professional counseling if the feelings don't go away.
For more pregnancy tips, check out Pregnancy, OMG!, available now on Amazon.com. And of course, always consult your doctor about your prenatal health concerns.
