Married at First Sight Australia alum Martha Kalifatidis has revealed weight loss as a notable side effect of her ongoing struggle with hyperemesis gravidarum.
On September 5, the influencer and her fiancée Michael Brunelli announced they were expecting their first child; however, it had not been smooth sailing, with Martha revealing to be suffering from a pregnancy-related illness.
“I was so sick. I couldn’t eat or drink anything. There were days when I didn’t even get up to pee. I lost ten kilos in five weeks,” Martha explained in their announcement video.
The 34-year-old is still “suffering through” many symptoms, which cause extreme nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
Martha Kalifatidis Has Shared Highly Anticipated Updates on Her Pregnancy
In an Instagram Live on September 12, Martha explained one of the newest indicators were “stunning headaches”.
“I’ve had a few good days over the past three weeks but still having some very grim nights and equally sh*tty days,” Martha said, with many fans telling her how much they missed her presence on Instagram.
It was a welcome surprise when she shared a mirror selfie of herself at “16 weeks” in a grey jumper and black slacks. In another selfie, she added that there is “no bump yet” to show.
Michael Brunelli Recalls Feeling “Completely Helpless” Amid Martha Kalifatidis’ Pregnancy-Related Illness
Until now, Michael has been the only one sharing rare insights into Martha’s pregnancy.
“I watched Martha go from enjoying a holiday to nervously celebrating a new stage in our life, to moaning in pain for hours and days on end,” the 31-year-old said on September 6.
“She has spent the best part of the last ten weeks in bed 24 hours a day, dehydrated, nauseous, vomiting, restless, tired, anxious, fatigued and unable to properly sleep or eat.”
Michael also admitted he felt “completely helpless” at times.
“I think about all the times she grabbed my hand and said ‘babe, please help!’ knowing full well I couldn’t do anything more for her, and it absolutely rips my heart out,” he said.
Michael Brunelli Shares “a Glimpse” Into the Last Few Months for the Couple
Michael shared a trigger warning for the content he shared, explaining it was a “glimpse into what we’ve been through, to show what pregnancy can look and feel like with hyperemesis gravidarum.
In the video, Martha told Michael that she “didn’t know” if she was “going to survive”.
She questioned whether she wanted to continue the pregnancy because she was in so much pain.
The couple decided to share more of their private experience because they wanted to “show that you don’t always have to love your pregnancy to love your baby”.
If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs support, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, both of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. You can also speak with someone confidentially at Headspace by calling 1800 650 890 or chat online here. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
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