When preparing for their long-awaited honeymoon abroad, Black Ferns star Chelsea Semple and her hubby, professional rugby coach James, were optimistic about the contents of their suitcase, packing a stash of pregnancy tests just in case. A year earlier, the footy-mad couple who had long dreamed of starting a family - embarked on a series of fertility tests, only to be told by doctors they'd likely struggle to conceive.
"I've been in high W performance sport for over 12 years, which had put a lot of physical strain on my body and, on top of that, I'd had issues with my ovaries in the past, so James and I were proactive about getting tested, knowing kids were definitely in our future," says Chelsea, who also plays for the Chiefs Manawa and is a commentator for Sky Sport. "The news wasn't overly positive. We were told it could take some time to get pregnant naturally, if at all, and that we may need to consider IVF."
Fast-forward a year, however, and Chelsea's 30-week baby bump tells otherwise, with the overjoyed parents-to-be set to meet their daughter in just a few short weeks. Speaking to Woman’s Day from her Hamilton home, the 30-yearold says she was in disbelief when a pregnancy test taken in her Portugal hotel room revealed she was expecting.
“James and I were definitely hopeful, of course, but given what we knew, deep down we were certain it wouldn’t come easily. I was shaking when I saw those two lines and immediately bolted up to the rooftop, where James was in the pool. He was equally as shocked – so much so, he just sort of stared at me blankly and didn’t even jump out of the water!”
But the surprise was a welcome one, making the elated couple’s globe-trotting getaway – which took them from Europe to Africa – one for the ages.
Esta historia es de la edición June 19, 2023 de Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 19, 2023 de Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
JESS' TEARS OVER JUSTIN'S SHOCK ARREST!
Jessica Biel is reeling after her husband Justin Timberlake's shock arrest in the Hamptons during a night off from his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
NICHOLAS GALITZINE 'I WAS DRIPPING IN JEWELS!
The actor discusses working with Julianne Moore on Mary & George, from Wednesday on TVNZ+
JUDGE JAY-JAY
More FM radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas
KIWI BROADWAY DARLING MY BATTLE WITH ANOREXIA
Theatre queen Scarlett reveals her behind-the-scenes struggle
EMMA'S PREGNANCY NIGHTMARE 'I SPENT ALL DAY VOMITING!'
The Matakana mum's morning sickness was so extreme, she was hospitalised 20 times
CHIEFS STAR EMONI'S HEALING JOURNEY
How family helped the rising rugby star bounce back from his shattered Rugby World Cup dreams
AMANDA KNOX'S NEW LIFE DOTING MUM & CRIME PODCASTER
From Italian prison to US podcast host, Amanda has reinvented herself in a big way
SHORTY STARS EMMETT & HOLLY'S HIDDEN HEARTBREAK
The acting duo reveal why a tragic loss has left them scared of starting a family
PIRIPI & STEPH WHAT REALLY HAPPENED!
The groom's TV confession left his bride reeling from the start
POSH & BECKS SECRET DIVORCE
A bombshell book has opened up painful wounds for the family