Actress Tisha Campbell-Martin recently sat down with Essence.com to talk about being pregnant at 40. The mom-to-be talked about everything from her watermelon cravings to what motherhood has taught her.
On being 40 and pregnant:
…” When you’re 40 things are a lot different, so I know I have some work ahead of me, but I also know this is the last time for me. My only concern now is my blood pressure, so we monitor that, but other than that I’m really healthy.”
On having another boy:
“I love being pregnant! I think I’m a boy-mommy. Xen is so glad not to be the only child. We waited for eight years before we had another child because he needed all of our attention. We say all the time how we kicked autism in the behind because Xen is so amazing—he’s going to a regular school and has friends of his own. He’s a true blessing. My pregnancy wasn’t a surprise because Duane and I are planners, so we did what we had to do, if you know what I mean (laughs).”
On when her baby is set to make his debut:
“September 21, but I swear he’s ready to come any day now. I’m just trying to get him to stay in there. I’m so big right now—I told my doctor I didn’t even want to know how much I weighed. I don’t look at the scale or anything. With my first son, Xen, I lost 80 pounds, so I’m looking forward to working on getting rid of this baby fat.”
On whether or not she and Duane have chosen a name for the baby:
“We’re still working on it. Duane and I haven’t settled on one yet that we absolutely love, and every name Xen’s chosen is a cartoon character (laughs).”
On her cravings:
“I’m craving ice and read that means you have an iron deficiency. And, man, I don’t even want to admit this because it’s so country, but I have to have watermelon (laughs). I will fight for my pregnancy watermelon so people know not to mess with my stash. The first three months I had to have a Taco Bell burrito and now I love the chicken satay at Mr. Chow’s.”
On what motherhood has taught her the second time around:
“At 40, I have so much more to offer as a mom. Xen gave me so many gifts; it was such a learning experience. I’m hoping for the best in health with my baby. It’s not going to be as hard as it was with Zen. As much as Duane and I make light of his autism, it was not an easy fight, but we fought it. I’ve been praying for it and believe that it will be easier this time around. But regardless of the challenge, I believe God will never give me more than I can handle and I find peace and comfort in knowing that.”
Click Here to see more baby shower pictures at Essence’s gallery
