Gemma Atkinson calls expectant mums 'warriors' in empowering post

Gemma's due date is not far off!

Author: Alex RossPublished 26th Jun 2019

Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson is gearing up for the birth of her first baby with her boyfriend, Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Márquez, and with their little one expected in July, things are getting very exciting!

Now that Gemma is on maternity leave, the mum-to-be has been keeping her fans up-to-date on social media, where she's posted a before and after pregnancy picture on Instagram.

Gem, who is known for being into her health and fitness, revealed she's put on 15kg throughout her pregnancy, writing, '70kg vs 85kg. Softer arms, puffier face, bigger ass and thighs, bigger belly, uterus, placenta, water retention, huge rise in estrogen meaning more cellulite and lets be honest, my boobs are like the Mitchell brothers 😂'.

Gemma went on to say, 'ALL of the above means my body is working to grow my baby and I couldn’t be more proud of it. Lots of you have DM me telling me you’re pregnant & struggling with the changes in your body. Admittedly, it is hard at first especially if like me, you were / are a gym bunny.'

The 34-year-old then gave some solid advice to other pregnant women out there. She wrote, 'However, if you change your way of thinking and realise firstly that pregnancy is a beautiful privilege denied to many woman so be grateful you have this opportunity, things do start to become easier.

'Secondly, from the minute you are carrying your baby (for me anyway) EVERYTHING became about my baby. Not my appearance. I wanted / still want them to be as strong and as healthy as possible. So if that means for the time being me as the “carrier” gains weight then so what?! 🤷🏼‍♀️ I can lose it in time. Yes I’ve continued my training but to nowhere near the extent I was and I’ve most certainly ate more than usual too.

'On the odd day I’ve felt fed up at not being able to run or lift heavy or have a good sweat on after training I’ve reminded myself that it’s temporary and that my baby is growing well and that fed up feeling disappears in seconds. If you really want to do all that stuff again after a baby, you will. You won’t find time as you’ll be exhausted, YOU have to MAKE TIME. And if you can’t get to a gym or exercise (which many people won’t be able to) you can always start on clean foods again for a few months before anything physical. Whatever you know works best for you, you can do it. Small steps make a big difference. Me being pregnant is the reason I look so different to how I “normally look” Me being a mum WONT be the reason I don’t get back to it and feeling as good again. Don’t let it be yours either!'

Gemma, who will present the Drive show on Hits Radio after her maternity leave, then revealed she's learnt how 'strong' women are. She concluded, 'Woman are incredibly strong, the last 9 months I’ve learnt that even more so. We got this. So to the ladies currently struggling with the changes soldier on. It’ll all be worth it when little man or little lady arrives knowing their mum is a total warrior woman 😏🤰💪🏼❤️'. sic

Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter

Sherlock actor and his theatre director wife Sophie Hunter are expecting their third child together in March 2019. Although neither of them have officially confirmed the news, Sophie is thought to have had her dress custom-made to accommodate her baby bump.

Gemma Atkinson calls expectant mums 'warriors' in empowering post
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After announcing she was expecting a baby back in February (with the help of her dogs Norman and Ollie), Gemma's bundle of joy is expected to arrive in July! 👶

Gemma will be joining Wes on Drive after her maternity leave. You can find out more about our new Hits Radio Breakfast team here.

NOW WATCH: Cheryl gives Gemma some pregnancy advice

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online or ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio'.