Let’s be real: are we all secretly terrified that pregnancy isn’t as ‘glowy’ as Instagram promises?
A few days ago, I was doomscrolling (because honestly, who isn’t these days?), and stumbled across Olivia Culpo’s incredibly honest update about her pregnancy journey. If you missed it, let’s catch up—Olivia, who’s expecting her first baby with Christian McCaffrey, shared a refreshingly raw look at the side effects, aches, and growing pains that just don’t make it onto glossy magazine covers. (Read her story here)
And wow, did it strike a nerve with me. Because for so many of us—especially those of us trying to grow our families outside the traditional doctor’s office setup—there’s this nagging question: Are we buying into a fairytale version of pregnancy that just doesn’t exist?
That ‘Glow Up’ Myth—and Why It Can Hurt
Let’s set the scene. You’ve spent months, maybe years, prepping your body, timing cycles, tracking (and re-tracking) ovulation, and even considering (or trying!) home insemination. You finally see a faint pink line and think: This is it! The magical moment where my skin glows, my hair grows thick and shiny, and I radiate pure maternal vibes…
Except, uh, that’s not exactly how it goes.
Olivia’s experience is a reminder: pregnancy is personal, unpredictable, sometimes painful—and definitely not one-size-fits-all.
So what does real pregnancy look like, especially for those of us who have fought tooth and nail to get here? Let’s break it down, one honest truth at a time.
Truth #1: It’s OK to Not Love Every Minute
You’d think, after all the effort (the tracking, the tests, the heartbreak), you’d only feel gratitude. But honestly? Some days, you’re just kind of miserable. Nausea, bloating, fatigue, and body aches don’t care how long you’ve waited.
And that’s normal. It doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful; it means you’re human. If a former Miss Universe like Olivia Culpo can admit pregnancy isn’t always beautiful, why can’t we?
Truth #2: The Path to Pregnancy Isn’t Always Clinical
Here’s where things get interesting. For so many in our community—single parents by choice, LGBTQ+ families, folks with infertility struggles—pregnancy starts at home, long before any baby bump shows up.
I remember the first time I saw a home insemination kit and realized, “Wait, people actually do this themselves?” It seemed intimidating, but now, it’s honestly one of the most empowering options out there. If you haven’t seen MakeAMom’s in-depth resources and stories from real users, I can’t recommend their site enough. Their discreet, user-friendly kits have helped thousands of people take control of their family-building journey, often breaking down those ‘doctor’s office’ barriers.
Truth #3: The Emotional Rollercoaster Is Real
And the wildest part? The emotional ride often starts before pregnancy and doesn’t slow down once you get that positive test. There’s anticipation, anxiety, guilt (for not loving every second), and sometimes loneliness—especially if your journey looks different from your friends’.
But here’s the thing: sharing these unfiltered moments, like Olivia did, is what actually builds community. Hearing “me too!” or seeing someone else talk about the not-so-glamorous symptoms? It’s like a pressure valve releasing.
So, How Do You Cope When Pregnancy Gets Real?
Let’s talk practical tips that got me (and so many others in the Nestful community) through the rough patches:
- Find your voices of honesty. Follow people who tell the real story—Olivia Culpo, fertility bloggers, or just a close friend who’ll listen when you’re scared.
- Ask for help—even if it feels awkward. Whether it’s your partner massaging sore feet or reaching out to a forum, you deserve support.
- Treat yourself like a friend. Would you ever tell your BFF to ‘just get over it’ when pregnancy symptoms crush her? Of course not. Be gentle with yourself.
- Get proactive about self-care. That doesn’t mean spa days (though yes, please!), but things like prepping easy meals, extra pillows, or a cozy Netflix queue for those ‘blah’ days.
Why Sharing the Whole Story Matters—Now More Than Ever
In 2025, the pressure to have a picture-perfect journey to parenthood is stronger than ever. Social media is full of curated joy—but the mess is what makes us real. Your journey (with its ups and downs) isn’t just normal; it’s powerful.
And if you’re still on the path to pregnancy or considering non-traditional routes, you’re absolutely not alone! Whether you’re using a home insemination kit, navigating donor options, or just starting to ask questions, there are resources and people out there rooting for you (promise!).
Final thought:
Did Olivia’s candid update resonate with you? Are you currently wading through the ‘not-so-glowy’ days—physically or emotionally? Drop your real thoughts in the comments below. Let’s shatter the fairytale and build a community based on truth—messy, beautiful, and 100% real. 💛