Did you see that headline about Mackenzie McKee gaining 20 pounds in two days? I did—and I still can’t believe it. If you’re like me, scrolling through your feed, you probably saw the news: Mackenzie, the Teen Mom star, opened up about a sudden, massive water-weight gain while pregnant with twins (read the original story here). As someone on my own conception journey (and deep in all things fertility), I had one immediate reaction: This is the side of pregnancy no one talks about.
You hear about morning sickness and cravings, sure. But how often does anyone open up about the truly weird, sometimes scary symptoms that can show up—especially when you’re at home, managing so much of this process yourself?
Let’s get real. Today I’m unpacking: - Why pregnancy symptoms can seem totally out of left field - The hidden risks (and how to spot them!) - And what home insemination moms and parents-to-be need to know if you’re going down this path—trust me, you’ll want to read until the end.
Mackenzie’s Story: More Than “Just” Weight Gain
If you read the headline and thought, “Wow, 20 pounds in 48 hours? That sounds impossible or dangerous,” you’re not alone. Mackenzie McKee bravely shared on social media that she was 31 weeks pregnant—with twins, no less—when she suddenly put on a massive amount of water weight. That’s not just uncomfortable; it can be a warning sign of complications like preeclampsia or other serious conditions.
Here’s the thing: pregnancy comes with a wild range of symptoms that even the best doctors sometimes shrug off as “normal”—until they’re not. Bloating, swelling, headaches, vision changes, mood shifts, and yes, sudden weight gain, are all things that could be normal… but sometimes, they signal something serious.
If you’re doing this journey through home insemination, it’s both empowering (you’re taking control!) and anxiety-inducing (what if something goes wrong?).
Unpacking the Rollercoaster: What’s Really “Normal”?
Let’s break down what I wish I’d known:
- Every body is different. Some people never have a day of nausea, while others struggle for months.
- Symptoms can appear suddenly. Swelling, aches, weird cravings, or even emotional outbursts can seemingly show up overnight.
- The line between “normal” and “get help right now” can feel blurry, especially if you’re not seeing a doctor every week.
That’s why stories like Mackenzie’s matter—they remind us to listen to our bodies and trust our instincts. If something feels off, it’s worth reaching out—even if you’re used to being your own advocate with at-home fertility tools.
Home Insemination: You’re In Charge… But What About After?
More and more people are starting their pregnancy journey at home with DIY insemination kits. It’s private, affordable, and (let’s be honest) a lot less intimidating than sitting in a sterile clinic. Kits like CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker from MakeAMom’s trusted at-home insemination guide are making parenthood accessible for everyone—single parents, LGBTQ+ families, people with medical sensitivities, and more.
But taking charge from day one means you need to be extra tuned in once the two lines appear on that pregnancy test. Your OB or midwife might not be just down the hall—so how do you stay safe?
Game-Changing Tips for Home Insemination Parents
Here’s what I’ve learned (the hard way):
Track everything, even the weird stuff. That includes sudden swelling, headaches, or vision changes (all things Mackenzie went through). Write it down. If something spikes or feels “off,” call your provider.
Know the red flags.
- Sudden weight gain (especially more than a couple of pounds in a day or two!)
- Severe swelling in hands, feet, or face
- Blurred vision or headaches that won’t quit
- Pain in the upper abdomen
Don’t wait. It can be tempting, especially if you’re super independent, to tough it out. If something’s alarming you, call your doctor, midwife, or even a telehealth line.
Lean on resources that get you. There are entire communities and companies built just for home insemination parents. From private packaging to reusable kits (thank you, MakeAMom), find people and products that have your back.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Stories like Mackenzie McKee’s are a reality check. Pregnancy can throw curveballs you never saw coming. Whether you started your journey with a clinic or in the privacy of your bedroom, you deserve real, practical support—and honest conversations about what the process is actually like.
Be your own best advocate. Track your symptoms, ask “Is this normal?” (spoiler: there’s no such thing), and trust your gut. Above all, remember you’re not alone—there’s a whole world of parents navigating the same highs and lows, one unpredictable day at a time.
Have you had a pregnancy symptom that totally floored you? Did going the home insemination route change your approach to self-care? Drop your story in the comments—let’s get real, together.