Celeste Cortesi Gets Candid About the Challenges of Her Pregnancy

Motherhood is a life-altering experience, and the changes it brings can manifest even before a woman gives birth.

Celeste Cortesi, for instance, faced several challenges that left an impact on both her mental and physical health. Currently nine months pregnant, the Filipino-Italian model and entrepreneur says she met “a version of me I could barely recognize,” but this doesn’t change the fact that she is also ready to cross “the finish line.”

On October 1, Celeste shared photos taken from different months of her journey, exposing a vulnerable side of herself that she rarely shows in public. “Pregnancy has been one of the most challenging and humbling experiences I had to go through emotionally and mentally,” she wrote.

Celeste underscored how much hard work it takes for expectant mothers to take care of themselves and the babies they carry. “I felt sadness, despair, anxiety, depression, and at times, an overwhelming sense of loneliness—all while fighting and trying to stay healthy, [taking] care of myself, facing challenges, and [balancing] my hormones.”

Just a few days before sharing this, Celeste confirmed that she and her partner, Jonathan Sterling, have decided to split. In her docuseries Celeste Unscripted, she acknowledged that they still have love for each other but will be focusing on co-parenting for now.

Given all of these factors, Celeste struggled to feel like herself for some time, as many mothers experience, but it also deepened her appreciation for the capabilities of women. “I have such deep respect for all moms out there, and just know that whatever challenge you may be facing, you are strong and you can get through anything.” She continued, “Through all of it, the only thought that could always bring me back was the amazing work my body was doing in growing, nourishing, and protecting baby S,” which she fondly calls her soon-to-be-born son Sergio, named after her father.

The journey of motherhood has introduced her to a new side of herself, one she is ready to meet and embrace. She concluded with a sincere note to Sergio, saying, “Nine months of carrying you, and somehow, you carried me too. I’m at the finish line now, and I can’t wait to discover this new version of me—healed, stronger, and ready to be your mommy.”