Former Miss SA Natasha Vermaak her followers on her pregnancy journey.
Image: Instagram.
In the final stretch of pregnancy, most moms-to-be are busy nesting, washing tiny baby clothes, setting up the nursery, and enjoying some well-deserved feet-up time.
But for former Miss South Africa Natasha Vermaak, the third trimester has looked a little different.
The former beauty queen recently took to Instagram to get real with her followers about a series of "nightmare" home renovations that have pushed her to her limits just weeks before her due date.
What started as a plan to get the house ready for their baby girl turned into a health crisis when the Vermaaks discovered an extensive black mould infestation hidden in their walls.
Breaking down in tears on her stories, she explained that the discovery forced them out of their home and into temporary accommodation with family.
"It's been a really challenging two to three weeks not staying in my own house and just like panicking, I'm going to go into labour at any time," said Vermaak.
While some followers questioned the timing of the renovations, Vermaak was quick to clarify that this wasn't a choice, but a necessity for their health. She revealed she had been sick three times during her pregnancy, requiring antibiotics and feeling a constant "fogginess" that she now attributes to the mould.
"Everyone was like, 'Why did you decide to renovate now?' That's not reno. That was a full-on black mould infestation that was making me ill, and imagine having to bring a newborn baby into the space. It's really not healthy at all.
"I feel like that's why I've been feeling foggy. During my pregnancy, I was sick three times, and I had to take antibiotics. I was sick for like a month at the end of my 2nd trimester, but I'm happy that we discovered this problem," she said.
For any expectant mother, the environment is everything. Vermaak candidly shared that the displacement has robbed her of the "giddy" experience she had envisioned for these final weeks.
"I had a different vision for my last few weeks of pregnancy of being in a room, getting stuff ready, unboxing her pram, and just feeling giddy and excited."
Despite the chaos at home, Vermaak and her hubby, Enrico Vermaak, are doing everything they can to feel prepared for the delivery room.
"Enrico and I been doing antenatal classes, we did a labour and delivery class of like five hours on a Saturday. I went to see a pelvic floor physio, and even though these things aren't a must, if you have the resources, it really is nice.
"I feel like I can just share, and if you feel like it's something you weren't even aware of, something that can just expand your knowledge. Every bit of information does stick, and it does help."