Celeste Cortesi/Instagram
Celeste Cortesi took to social media to share her pregnancy journey, calling it "one of the most challenging and humbling experiences" she ever had.
On Instagram, the former Miss Universe Philippines revealed that she has reached her 9th month with her first child, Sergio.
"Not the prettiest version of me, but here it is," she wrote in her post, saying that her pregnancy "manifested in my skin, my mood, and my body."
"I felt sadness, despair, anxiety, depression and, at times, an overwhelming sense of loneliness — all while fighting in trying to stay healthy, take care of myself, facing challenges, and balance my hormones — something I definitely underestimated," the former beauty queen admitted.
"I saw a version of me I could barely recognize and some days I struggled to look at myself and feel like me."
Cortesi said she has "such deep respect for all moms out there" and assured them that like her, they can "get through anything."
"I discovered a strength within myself I never knew I had," she said. "Baby S has been growing inside me while, in so many ways, I have been growing, too."
"I'm at the finish line now and I can't wait to discover this new version of me — healed, stronger, and ready to be your mommy," she told her soon-to-be-born son.
Cortesi recently parted ways with her boyfriend, British entrepreneur Jonathan Sterling, with the two now focused on "creating a healthy co-parenting environment" for their soon-to-be-born son.
She previously shared that she went through in vitro fertilization, saying it "has been so draining" for her.
Former Miss Universe PH Celeste Cortesi confirms breakup with Jonathan Sterling