Kenyan singer Jovial has opened up about the physical and emotional toll her pregnancy has taken, sharing intimate details of a journey she describes as far tougher than her first.
Speaking honestly through a series of Instagram stories, Jovial reflected on the struggles she’s faced in recent months -from losing energy to battling nausea and even skipping basic hygiene.
“Pregnancy is a very difficult journey,” she wrote. “Comparing my first pregnancy na hii… wueeh, hii imenitandika proper,” she added, mixing English and Kiswahili to capture the weight of her experience.
The 33-year-old singer admitted that during her first trimester, even routine tasks felt impossible. “I won’t lie — I stayed one week without showering,” she revealed, adding, “Someone had to drag me to the bathroom. I used to break down like a child.”
She recounted a particularly tough experience with toothpaste. “I hated throwing up because once I do, I’m going to have a long, horrible day,” she said. In the end, she turned to salt and charcoal powder to brush her teeth. “Salt did it for me!” she shared with a hint of relief.
Though her honesty may come as a surprise to fans used to her polished public image, Jovial made it clear she didn’t want pity. Instead, she urged other women — especially those struggling through their own pregnancies — to be kind to themselves.
“Take it easy on yourself,” she advised. “If you had it easy, some won’t — and it’s okay.”
She explained how public pressure also added to the weight. “I remember people asking why I had disappeared from social media,” she said. “I was going through it, and I needed time.”
Jovial now feels stronger, saying she’s slowly finding her rhythm again. “I’m slaying with my bump. I put on makeup, I cook, I clean,” she said proudly.
Yet she acknowledged it hasn’t all been her doing. The people around her have made a difference. “This can be easier if you have the right people around to support you,” she wrote. “One step at a time.”
Her raw honesty has struck a chord with many. At a time when social media often showcases only the glamorous side of pregnancy, Jovial’s reflections offer something different — a reminder that every journey is unique, and every mother deserves patience and grace.
