Olivia Bowen has admitted she was concerned about getting pregnant because of her previous battles with anxiety and depression.
The Love Island star, 28, opened up about her mental health while discussing her impending motherhood.
She is due to give birth in the summer but she and husband Alex Bowen, 30, who she met on the second series of Love Island, are keeping the sex as a surprise.
Speaking to Heat, Olivia was asked if anything had surprised her about pregnancy.
Olivia candidly admitted: “I was always so worried about how I’d be, and that something that put us off a little bit, because I have suffered with depression and anxiety.
“I was so scared that it would creep in, but it’s actually been quite enjoyable.”
Perinatal mental health problems affect up to 20% of women during pregnancy and the first year after having a baby – a statistic which is thought to have increased since the pandemic.
Her supportive husband Alex weighed in: “Liv has smashed pregnancy.
“She has struggled a lot with anxiety, and we didn’t know how she’d be, but she’s been more active than ever, eating really clean and mentally OK.
“I’m so proud of her.”
Olivia and Alex, are determined to keep the gender of their baby a surprise until birth, but admitted they were "beside themselves" trying to figure out the sex during a scan recently.
"We went for a scan the other day and we were beside ourselves trying to work it out and I've had a dream that it was a girl, but I've had a dream it was a boy so really didn't help me," Olivia said in an exclusive chat with Mirror Online.
"I thought it might be telling me something but I've dreamt both. I think it's just me trying to imagine what it's going to be like. I have no idea. People say "oh, I've had a feeling" but I can't tell. I would love to know."
If you are struggling with any of the issues raised here then visit Mind for advice and guidance.
