Social media star Chessie King has shared an emotional and 'euphoric' announcement with her followers, revealing she is pregnant with her second child after a challenging journey with fertility treatment.
A Joyful Announcement After a Difficult Journey
The 32-year-old influencer, who has almost 700,000 followers on Instagram, posted a video and a 'bump' snap on Tuesday, declaring the arduous process had all been 'worth it'. Chessie explained that she and her husband, Mathew Carter, are overjoyed after seeing a positive pregnancy test, but she admitted to feeling nervous about sharing the news so early.
The pregnancy comes after a gruelling fertility battle involving IVF/ICSI treatment and an early miscarriage in March of this year. In her heartfelt post, Chessie wrote of the 'pure euphoria' they felt, expressing immense gratitude for the medical science that made this possible.
Choosing to Share Every Stage
Defying the traditional advice to wait 12 weeks before announcing a pregnancy, Chessie stated the rule felt 'outdated'. She emphasised that sharing the ups and downs with her supportive online community had been integral to her journey. 'We've shared every negative that has lead to this positive with you,' she wrote.
She also acknowledged the sensitivity of her news, offering support to others still waiting. 'Please know we are wishing for every single one of you still waiting, hoping & hurting,' she added.
The influencer praised her fertility clinic, Avenues, for providing clarity and hope after consultations with two other clinics. However, she highlighted the significant financial burden, noting the 'absurd' cost of fertility medication she must continue until her 12-week scan.
The High Cost of Hope in the UK
Chessie's experience sheds light on the substantial expenses faced by many seeking IVF in the UK. While a single cycle typically costs between £3,000 and £7,000, additional fees for consultations, blood tests, and procedures can push the total bill to over £10,000.
Friends and fellow influencers, including Giovanni Fletcher and Radio 1 DJ Nat O'Leary, flooded the comments with congratulations. Chessie, who is already a mother to four-year-old daughter Auraelia, also shared a glimpse of her 'lil bump' on her Instagram Stories, attributing its early appearance to her hormone injections.
This announcement follows a video she shared three weeks ago of her embryo transfer, which she described as a room 'full of hope'. Her openness extends beyond fertility; last year, she revealed she suffered a stroke at age 23, resulting in 70% hearing loss in one ear. She has also spoken candidly about navigating a difficult period in her marriage to Mathew, whom she married in 2022, before they worked to rebuild their relationship.
