FORMER Charlotte Crosby, a star of Geordie Shore, talks about being a mother.
Charlotte, 32, describes her experience with pregnancy depression and giving delivery.
“I initially had a great desire to become a parent since I believed that my option had been removed.
“With my then-boyfriend, fellow Geordie Shore star Gaz Beadle, I experienced an ectopic pregnancy in 2016 [when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb].
“The pain was the worst I’ve ever felt. My fallopian tube was rupturing open, and I was internally bleeding.
“I had surgery after being transported to the hospital.
“The doctor informed us later that they had to remove half of my reproductive organs.
“It seemed as though time had frozen, and I was filled with thoughts about how I would never be able to have children.
It’s about striking a balance; you shouldn’t feel bad about taking care of yourself.
“Thankfully, the doctor assured me that although it could be more challenging to conceive, I might still have a child.
“I had never discussed having children with any of my prior partners, so I was surprised when I started seeing Jake [Ankers, 33] in 2021 and he suggested wanting them.
“We had just been together for two months when we began trying to conceive since I assumed it may take us a few years. I gave it my all.
“Last year, I discovered I was pregnant while on vacation with my husband in London for Valentine’s Day.
“My period was three days late and I felt unhappy, so I knew something was wrong. We were shocked and ecstatic when we learned.
“I like my appearance and the belly during my pregnancy, although it was challenging.
“At first, I suffered from severe prenatal depression. I didn’t want to leave my bed since I felt so depressed.
“When that stopped after a few weeks, I started feeling sick all the time, and that continued until the baby was born.
“However, I didn’t feel under any obligation to enjoy being pregnant, and I appreciated being straightforward by telling everyone that I felt terrible and couldn’t wait for it to be done.
Due to the stress from my ectopic pregnancy, I underwent a scheduled C-section on October 14. Giving birth was the most amazing experience.
“I wasn’t sure why I felt so peaceful until I entered the surgery room.
I even requested that the screen be lowered so I could watch as our daughter Alba Jean was delivered because I didn’t experience any discomfort.
We have a tonne of movies and pictures because Jake and the anaesthetist both had a phone.
In addition, the delivery room had a video team for our new programme.
Finally, parents
As everyone speaks about how scrutinised you get, I was anxious to announce that I was having a C-section, but I didn’t have much negative feedback.
“I’ve enjoyed each and every second of it since Alba Jean came. The first time we brought her outside in her stroller to get some fresh air was really memorable.
“It was the most bizarre sensation, and we were out in the world. Finally, we were parents.
“There were days when I felt mentally impacted while I recovered from the C-section since I was working fewer hours and unable to exercise. I had the impression that I wasn’t living for myself.
At my six-week checkup, the doctor then permitted me to resume light exercise.
“The next day, I changed into my training clothes and worked out briefly while Jake watched over Alba Jean. After then, I had a mental spark that caused my endorphins to return.
“I didn’t realise how much I depended on exercising to feel healthy and energetic and like me.
“It’s about striking a balance; you shouldn’t feel bad about taking care of yourself.
“My kid sees me as a strong, independent woman who works out and sets a good example for her.
“Alba Jean, who is now 15 weeks old, is my closest buddy, and while I adore her with all of my heart, I don’t feel bad about not wanting to carry her about with me all the time.
“You shouldn’t let your baby define who you are. You need to sometimes remind yourself that you existed before they arrived on the scene.
