Olivia Culpo, the renowned Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, has opened up about the struggles she faced during the first trimester of her pregnancy with her husband, NFL star Christian McCaffrey. The couple, who announced their pregnancy earlier this month, shared this exciting news through social media. However, in a recent TikTok video, Culpo revealed a more personal side of her journey that many may resonate with.
Posting the emotional video on March 18, 2025, Culpo revealed that she has been grappling with serious health issues since she became pregnant. At nine weeks along, she experienced pneumonia which kept her bedridden for two weeks. Culpo explained, "I had pneumonia and I was sick also for two weeks. All in all, I’ve truly been on bed rest for four weeks.” The challenges did not stop there; towards the end of this period, she developed a subchorionic hematoma, which is essentially a blood clot in her uterus that resulted in intense bleeding. “I was bleeding everywhere,” she recalled.
The Cleveland Clinic describes a subchorionic hematoma as bleeding that occurs between the uterine wall and the chorion, the outer fetal membrane. While it can be concerning, many women experience this without dire consequences for their pregnancy. Culpo noted that despite her fears, medical checks indicated that her baby was doing fine. “I went to the doctor and it was really exciting to see that there was still a heartbeat.” This moment of reassurance became a beacon of hope during a turbulent time.
Amidst the uncertainty that many pregnant women might feel, Culpo approached her situation with a message of hope. She stated, “I’m really grateful that everything's going well so far. So anyone out there with a subchorionic hematoma or SCH… I hope this video will help you if you experience a lot of intense bleeding in your first trimester. It’s not always the worst case that you’re thinking.” The 32-year-old shared heartfelt words to reassure others dealing with similar complications.
In her video, Culpo broke down in tears, expressing her fear about losing a child, stating, “I can’t even think about the devastation that you feel losing your baby at any stage.” She further emphasized the importance of support during such a vulnerable time, saying, “Everybody out there going through any part of pregnancy feeling alone... I’m praying for you for everybody in their maternity journey. I love you guys.” This declaration resonated with viewers, showcasing her determination to share her experience to help others feel less isolated.
Culpo’s vulnerability with her struggles is timely. As pregnancy can bring unexpected health challenges, her openness encourages women to seek help and not feel alone. It also highlights the support systems that can be invaluable during pregnancy. Her use of progesterone suppositories, along with resting as prescribed by her doctors, aimed to create the best conditions for her baby's health during this stressful time, underscoring the proactive approach new mothers must sometimes take.
Culpo underwent surgery for Endometriosis in 2020, a condition that often complicates pregnancy. She and McCaffrey have managed to balance their romantic relationship with their burgeoning family life. Their journey began when they started dating in 2019, becoming engaged in April 2023 and ultimately tying the knot in June 2024 during a star-studded ceremony in Rhode Island.
Fans have followed their love story closely, often witnessing their public displays of affection and support for one another at numerous events. They have exchanged words of encouragement and celebrations of each other's successes throughout their relationship, building a foundation of partnership that transcends both personal and professional milestones.
The support they have demonstrated for each other further emphasizes the importance of having a strong partner during uncertain times. While sharing her experiences, Culpo not only depicts her own challenges but also reflects the broader narrative that many expectant mothers face: the rollercoaster of joy and fear that comes with waiting for a new life.
As Culpo prepares for her motherhood journey, her candidness ensures a deeper connection with her followers and sets a powerful example of resilience and vulnerability. The positive responses to her video reveal how openly discussing such private matters can break the stigma around pregnancy complications. Her journey is a reminder that support can come from surprising places and that it’s crucial to lean on others while navigating the emotional waves of pregnancy.
Olivia Culpo's emotional recount of her health scare serves not just as a story of personal struggle, but as a message of solidarity for those experiencing difficulties during their own pregnancy journeys. Her openness promotes a sense of community, reminding that many women are on this path together, facing fears, and celebrating life together through support and love.
