Stacey Solomon, 29, who is pregnant with her third child, spoke out about the “pressure” on expectant mothers to opt for a completely natural birth, which is reportedly favoured by Meghan Markle, 37. Weighing in on the debate, she explained in reference to the Duchess of Sussex’s preference: “I think there is a pressure on mums to have a natural delivery. “Or have pain relief or not have pain relief, but I don’t feel that pressure at all. “You’re about to push a human out your vagina – do what it takes!”
In spite of her confidence surrounding her birthing plan, the star also revealed to The Mirror that she is feeling slightly nervous about the prospect of going into labour again.
She continued: “I would say I’m apprehensive to say the least!
“I remember labour. I’m not one of those people who managed to forget it or block it out.
“If I’m completely honest, I’ll take painkillers if I need them.
“I didn’t have any with Leighton, because it was too quick.”
The former X Factor contestant’s first experience with labour lasted for a painful 72 hours, in which she relied on inhaling oxygen and nitrous oxide through a mask.
Fortunately, her second baby was born in just two-and-a-half hours.
The Loose Women star is now expecting her first baby with boyfriend Joe Swash, 37, which is due this summer.
Stacey will be bringing a sibling into the world to join her sons from a previous relationship Zach, 11, and Leighton, seven, and Joe’s son Harry, 11.
Joe was the first to announce the exciting news on Instagram, by sharing multiple pictures of his other half sleeping.
In view of his 544,000 followers, he captioned the post: “Have been driving myself mad thinking that she’s bored senseless of me and can’t stand to be awake for longer than 10 minutes of my company…
“So you can imagine my delight to find out that she still loves me and my company very much she’s just been growing a baby.
“I can’t begin to describe how happy we are to be able to share this wonderful news.
“We’ve been so blessed with 3 incredible children that we’ve had the privilege of raising and we are forever grateful to have the chance to become parents to another wonderful child.
“It’s all very overwhelming and emotional and we couldn’t be happier right now.”
Stacey then took to her own Instagram page to share the couple’s ultrasound scan photo.
Sharing the sweet picture with her 1.2 million followers, she wrote: “Every time I go to write anything I sob so… what he said @realjoeswashy.”