Romee Strijd Shares 16-Week Pregnancy Update After 7 Years Struggling With PCOS

Elisa Lewittes
·6 min read

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Romee Strijd shared the first baby bump photo with a 16-week belly update on her Instagram. The Victoria Secret Angel and wellness Youtuber wore a mauve lace bodysuit and jeans to show off her pregnancy glow. She shared the status of the growing baby with a very on-brand caption: “You’re the size of my favorite fruit now 🥰 (swipe to see which one).”

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You’re the size of my favorite fruit now 🥰 (swipe to see which one)

A post shared by Romee Strijd (@romeestrijd) on Jun 13, 2020 at 11:57am PDT

According to The Bump, the model is correct and confirmed that, at four months along, the model’s baby is the size of an avocado.

This exciting update comes after Strijd and her longtime boyfriend, Laurens van Leeuwen announced that they were expecting their first child on May 28 in an emotional Youtube video, titled “WE’RE EXPECTING 👶🏼💗” where she opened up about her years of struggling with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). She explained how she lost her period for six years and ‘didn’t think anything of this.” Because Strijd continued: “I had a friend who was experiencing the same thing.” After a visit to a gynecologist two years ago, she was formally diagnosed with the common hormone syndrome. While tearing up in a heartfelt moment, the social media influencer shared that the doctor told her: “It will be hard for her to make babies in a natural way.” She continued: “My world collapsed . . . my biggest dream was to start a family with Laurens.”

After breaking out a smile, the video took a more positive turn, and Strijd explained how in November 2019, she got her period back and was able to successfully conceive after making some lifestyle changes to live a more stress-free daily. She concludes the video with a message to her followers and said how excited she is to “take you on the journey with us.” The 3-minute upload concluded with photos of one of the model’s early ultrasounds for a happy ending as the couple embarks on this exciting milestone.

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WE’RE HAVING A BABY 💗 2 years ago I got diagnosed with PCOS after not getting my period for 7 years. I was devastated because being a mom and starting a family with @laurensvleeuwen is my biggest dream.. I was so scared that I would never be able to because I got told it was harder to get babies in a natural way.. I started to research PCOS and came to the conclusion that mine was not the typical pcos.. Mine was because of my body being in fight or flight mode.. which means my body was under constant stress. I never felt mentally super stressed so it was hard te understand this, but my life consisted of travelling all the time (no biorhythm), working out every day, eating super clean (restricting foods). I think I pressured my body to much, and honestly every body is so different but I think my weight was not good for my body to function properly and couldn’t handle the constant traveling. This was the point where I started to research natural healing for PCOS and came to the conclusion that I should do way less high intensity training, don’t restrict foods, be nice to myself, and take breaks when needed. I also tried some natural supplements, acupuncture and we got a place back in the Netherlands as well, so we could spend more time with Family (since im such a family person). I’m so happy and grateful to say that I got my period back last november AND that WE’RE SOON A FAMILY OF THREE ❤ ❤❤❤ & to the women trying to conceive, believe in yourself and be nice for yourself and your body and don’t let those thoughts get to you to much 😚

A post shared by Romee Strijd (@romeestrijd) on May 28, 2020 at 10:14am PDT

She also shared this story in a long Instagram post. It reads:

WE’RE HAVING A BABY 💗 2 years ago I got diagnosed with PCOS after not getting my period for 7 years. I was devastated because being a mom and starting a family with @laurensvleeuwen is my biggest dream.. I was so scared that I would never be able to because I got told it was harder to get babies in a natural way..I started to research PCOS and came to the conclusion that mine was not the typical pcos.. Mine was because of my body being in fight or flight mode.. which means my body was under constant stress. I never felt mentally super stressed so it was hard te understand this, but my life consisted of travelling all the time (no biorhythm), working out every day, eating super clean (restricting foods). I think I pressured my body to much, and honestly every body is so different but I think my weight was not good for my body to function properly and couldn’t handle the constant traveling.
This was the point where I started to research natural healing for PCOS and came to the conclusion that I should do way less high intensity training, don’t restrict foods, be nice to myself, and take breaks when needed. I also tried some natural supplements, acupuncture and we got a place back in the Netherlands as well, so we could spend more time with Family (since im such a family person). I’m so happy and grateful to say that I got my period back last november AND that WE’RE SOON A FAMILY OF THREE ❤ ❤❤❤ & to the women trying to conceive, believe in yourself and be nice for yourself and your body and don’t let those thoughts get to you to much 😚

Through being open, vulnerable, and never losing hope, Strijd is one of the many celebrities, including Sasha Pieterse, Brie and Nikki Bella, and Lea Michele, finally opening the conversation around PCOS to show women they are not alone.

Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor

Before you go, take a look at all of the stars expecting babies in 2020.

Launch Gallery: Teyana Taylor, Karla Souza, & More Stars Who Are Expecting Babies in 2020

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