Former Australian Olympian Jana Pittman has left nothing to the imagination as she opened up about what it’s like to carry twins at 39.
Former Olympian Jana Pittman has pulled back the curtain on her pregnancy journey of carrying twins at age 39, describing it as “a mix of amazing and rough as guts”.
Pittman, who recently starred on Channel 7’s SAS Australia, revealed she was expecting twins last month with her husband Paul Gatward.
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The ex-hurdler took to Instagram to share her progress and didn’t hold back any details, including some images of her varicose veins.
“You guys all know I am pretty open about my body after all I wet myself on national tv,” Pittman wrote.
“As it was important women talked about postpartum issues and seek help! So I plan to share the realness of carrying twins at 39yrs too!
“I am 18wks this week and well so far it’s been a mix of amazing and rough as guts. The vomiting and fatigue was yuck but feeling much better now … and I guess with my job I see women having it much much much worse … including having the privilege of working with couples who have late stage miscarriages or infertility.
“So I realise I am simply blessed.”
Pittman also posted photos of her leg and added: “Varicose veins in pregnancy are real and UGLY!!
“I have to wear an ultra sexy (not) pelvic girdle (lucky I am pregnant already) and the vulval/leg ache is next level! But … It’s worth it!”
A number of high-profile stars were quick to offer support for Pittman in the comments section of her post.
Former NRL star Sam Burgess wrote: “Keep inspiring @janapittmanofficial – you’re an amazing women (sic). Keep charging forwards how I saw every day in SAS xxx.”
Olympic diver Melissa Wu commented with a love heart emoji.
Former Labor politician Emma Husar wrote: “@janapittmanofficial you know I already think the world of you and all you do. Keep leading, women need you #shero.”
Other users were touched by Pittman’s openness surrounding her pregnancy.
One wrote: “Love how real you are.”
Another user posted: “Dr Pittman, you are amazing!!! The realness of pregnancy is not normally something that is presented to us and no book tells the reality of it. Keep inspiring and all the best throughout your twinny journey.”
Pittman represented Australia on the track in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, then became the first female to wear green and gold at both summer and winter Games when she was selected as part of the Aussie two-person bobsleigh team in Russia six years later.
Since retiring from athletic competition, Pittman works as a doctor and specialises in reproductive medicine.