Gemma Atkinson praised for 'realities of birth' as she shows off tummy

31 July 2023 , 10:41

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Gemma Atkinson praised for 'realities of birth' as she shows off tummy

Gemma Atkinson has been praised for showing an unfiltered look at giving birth as she shared a snap of her 'swollen tummy.'

The Hollyoaks star, 38, welcomed son, Thiago - who she shares with Strictly Come Dancing professional, Gorka Marquez - via C-section two weeks ago.

Sharing a photo of herself in her pyjamas with her top rolled up, Gemma updated her followers on how she was feeling, posting: "It's very common for a tummy to stay swollen after pregnancy and they usually stay swollen after a C section due to the inflammation and abdominal swelling from surgery. So don't worry if you feel you still look pregnant as I do here, it's NORMAL!"

Gemma added she doesn't expect to 'look like her old self for months' as she explained she hadn't yet left the house, apart from "pottering in the garden".

Gemma Atkinson has shared a candid snap with her followers after giving birth to her son, Thiago (@glouiseatkinson/Instagram)

She told her followers she doesn't expect to look like herself again 'for months' (@glouiseatkinson/Instagram)

Telling fans she was reciting daily affirmations, to convince herself she can 'do this', the mum-of-two concluded: "I've reminded myself thousands of women are now doing the exact same thing as me. Every time I look at Thiago I thank my body for growing, carrying and birthing him. 15 days ago he was he in my belly and that just blows my mind completely. The miracle of life and the human body."

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Gemma's positive post was warmly received by her fans with many congratulating the new mum for being so candid. One said: "Gemma thank you for showing us the reality of what it looks like after a birth. While another posted: "Thank you for keeping it real. I wish there were more people like you, especially on the [Insta]gram."

The actress announced she had welcomed her son with her fiancé earlier this month in a gushing Instagram post as she revealed she was "soaking up this lovely little bubble".

Telling fans her family "was complete", Gemma told her followers her bundle of joy was called Thiago Thomas Marquez as she shared an adorable photo of the tot. Little Thiago joins big sister Mia, four, who Gemma said is "already the mother hen we expected her to be."

Gorka is currently training for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, but has thankfully been able to spend time with his family for his "dose of cuddles". The Spanish dance champion recently posted a photo of himself cradling his tiny son - who was being watched closely by proud Mia - as he told fans how happy he was to be home.

However, it was only a flying visit for the dance pro as fiancée Gemma later posted: "We're missing you already" with a crying and a heart emoji.

Victoria Johns