Gemma Atkinson has been flooded with praise and hailed as an 'inspiration' as she took a look at the difference between in her two pregnancies. The Hits Radio host is currently pregnant with her second child.
She announced back in January that she and her Strictly Come Dancing star fiance Gorka Marquez were preparing to expand their brood and will be welcoming a little boy into the family, a baby brother for their three-year-old daughter, Mia. They shared the news alongside a string of black and white images which Gemma and dancer Gorka both posted to their Instagram pages.
One image showed Gemma gazing at her blossoming bump before she grinned for a selfie with her husband-to-be and their little girl as they wait to become a family of four - or six if you include Gemma's beloved dogs Ollie and Norman. "Impossible to hide my belly any longer. I’ve officially 'popped'," Gemma wrote in the caption to her millions of followers. "Our baby boy will be joining our family later this year."
She has since been keeping her followers updated on her pregnancy journey, previously confirmed that her son is due in the summer. Taking to Instagram on Thursday (March 2), Gemma, 38, shared two side-by-side photos. One showed her back in 2020 nearly a year after her pregnancy with Mia, who was born in July 2019, and one from her current pregnancy.
"Things I’ve learnt from my two pregnancies (first pic 8 months after Mia, 2nd pic today)," she started the caption of her post before clarifying: "This is NOT a 'I want my body back' post. The opposite actually."
The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star went on to write: "The change in body shape and size is the obvious. My boobs, bum, legs and belly have doubled in size. Not all clothes fit and the majority certainly aren’t comfortable. My cellulite has doubled. My coordination, balance and even memory are a little off. The veins in my boobs when I’m warm are like a road map and from sleeping only on my left side for almost 6 months my back is a tad sore.
"People keep reminding me how “big” I am. Yes I know. Believe it or not I’m fully aware and I’m hoping to get bigger! That means little man is growing. My options in all of the above are to spend the 9 months dwelling about not feeling or looking like myself OR show up regardless. As I am. Get shit done run our home, work and be present for Mia bumping along each day at a time.
"For me, nothing has taught me adaptability like pregnancy has. Or resilience actually. It’s by far the toughest workout I’ve ever done (and my coach once made me do the CHAD wod)."
Gemma went on to conclude her post: "I know for all mums to be that at times it’s hard. Physically and emotionally. BUT I’m a massive believer in that I am in control of how I approach things! I’m also conscious of the fact that for now, me and my baby are one. He feels what I feel so I’m reluctant to let in the negative energies. For this blessing of growing my son, I’m choosing to go ALL IN. Positively."
Gorka, who is currently away from home on tour with Strictly co-star Karen Hauer, was quick to respond as he posted a string of clapping and heart emojis. Strictly It Takes Two host Janette Manrara, who revealed last month that she is expecting her first child with her husband Aljaž Škorjanec, also replied: "Amén," with a raising hands emoji.
And fans were also quick to applaud her. @condon7552 said: "By Jesus girl are you an inspirational human being. Wish Instagram and the likes of you were around when I was pregnant and not liking myself but 18 years ago when our last was born that support wasn't there. But today I love reading such positive, uplifting and hilarious funny posts from you and a few others.
@liizzie_thompson23 wrote: "Thanks you for this post! We should be grateful for this change in our bodies to grow and nurture new life. It is amazing and something to celebrate. And of course, some women would do absolutely anything for this." @brattallie commented: "1. I don’t think you look big AT ALL!!! 2. As Gorka says, you are flawless. What more could you need or want?! You are totally amazing. An inspiration to mums everywhere. Keep doing what you’re doing."
@themalvernmeltsco replied: "Love this, well said XXX you're flipping amazing." @amyrc19 shared: "You look awesome - and so happy relaxed exactly how you should be." @r.l.davies80 typed: "Brilliant post. Thank you always for your honesty and your realistic approach to life." @joannemoore6476 added: "You look amazing, be yourself. Enjoy every minute and be healthy. You are a fantastic role model."
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