At Luli Health, we believe in amplifying voices that share authentic, raw experiences—especially when it comes to topics that can be difficult to navigate, like pregnancy. That’s why we felt it was important to share this recent episode of Girls in Real Life, where Mariah opens up about her unplanned pregnancy and the emotional rollercoaster she went through in making one of the toughest decisions of her life.
In the episode titled “The Harsh Reality of an Unplanned Pregnancy,” Mariah takes us through the heartbreaking and courageous journey she faced when she discovered she was pregnant. From the moment she learned she was expecting, she was torn between two options: abortion or keeping the baby. In the midst of shock, panic, and fear, Mariah found herself grappling with deep feelings of guilt, self-doubt, and overwhelming shame—particularly around how others might perceive her.
As she describes it, she felt like she was “picking between two poisons.” Abortion could provide a way out, but with it came a lifetime of regret and uncertainty. Keeping the baby meant embracing motherhood in a way she wasn’t sure she was ready for, yet it also promised a future she had never imagined.
What stands out most in this episode is the pivotal advice Mariah received from her partner. He gently reminded her that the decision was ultimately hers to make. “What do you want to do?” he asked, encouraging her to move past external pressures and focus on her own feelings and desires. That question sparked a shift in her mindset, helping her embrace the reality of her pregnancy, even in the face of so much uncertainty.
As her pregnancy progressed, Mariah started to feel her maternal instincts kicking in. She began to embrace the changes her body was going through and even started making content around her growing belly. She reflects on how, around the 30-week mark, she had a shift in mindset. “It was then where I kind of just like switched gears,” she says. It was in those final weeks before her baby’s arrival that she began to truly accept her new reality and get excited about the future.
Now, as a proud mom to her son, Mariah looks back with a deep sense of gratitude. She admits that in the early days of her pregnancy, she never thought she’d be able to love her child. But now, she can’t imagine her life without him. “I would do it all over again if it meant that I got to have this beautiful little boy,” she says. Her son has brought light and joy into her life in ways she never expected.
Mariah’s story is one of growth, healing, and acceptance. She encourages anyone who’s facing a similar situation to trust themselves. If you’re on the fence, unsure, or terrified like she once was, she reassures you that you’ll never regret having your baby. In fact, she believes you’ll always wonder “what if” if you choose otherwise.
Her message is clear: even when life throws unexpected challenges your way, there’s always purpose. “God has a plan for everything,” she says, reminding us that even though society may judge or put pressure on us, the love you receive from your child will be nothing short of unconditional.
We hope that this episode resonates with anyone who may be facing difficult decisions or grappling with uncertainty. And for anyone out there who feels alone in their journey—whether it’s related to pregnancy or other life-changing experiences—remember, you’re not alone. There’s always a way forward, and sometimes, it just takes a little time to find it.
Listen to the full episode of Girls in Real Life here to hear Mariah’s story in her own words.
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