Former Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi gave followers a candid glimpse into her pregnancy journey, sharing both the highs and challenges of preparing to welcome her first child, baby Sergio.
On October 1, 2026, the Filipino-Italian beauty queen, model, and actress posted a photo carousel on Instagram documenting her transformation throughout pregnancy.
Captioned "October 1 [heart emoji] not the prettiest version of me but here it is," the post featured intimate snapshots showing the physical and emotional realities of carrying her son to term.
Among the images were unfiltered moments highlighting acne breakouts, body changes, and other visible effects brought on by hormones, stress, and the demands of pregnancy.
In her lengthy caption, Celeste described pregnancy as "one of the most challenging and humbling experiences" she has faced emotionally and mentally.
She revealed that the journey took a toll on her mental health, bringing periods of sadness, anxiety, depression, and loneliness, and admitted struggling to recognize herself as the emotional and physical changes of pregnancy affected her skin, mood, and body.
In her words: "9 months of carrying baby S. Only few people know the most vulnerable side of me - the parts I rarely show.
"Pregnancy has been one of the most challenging and humbling experiences I had to go through emotionally and mentally."
"I experienced my mental health at its lowest and many were the days where I thought 'I can’t do this.'
"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.
"Everything manifested in my skin, my mood, and my body.
"I saw a version of me I could barely recognize and some days I struggled to look at myself and feel like me.
CELESTE ON DISCOVERING STRENGTH WITHIN HERSELF
While her pregnancy journey came with emotional and physical challenges, Celeste said it ultimately revealed an inner strength and gave her a greater appreciation for mothers everywhere.
She continued: "I have such deep respect for all moms out there and just know that whatever challenge you may be facing you are strong and you can get through anything...
"Because through all of it, the only thought that could always bring me back was the amazing work my body was doing in growing, nourishing and protecting baby S.
"I discovered a strength within myself I never knew I had.
"Baby S has been growing inside me while, in so many ways, I have been growing too.
9 months of carrying you, and somehow you carried me too. [emoji]
"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. [emoji]"
Ending her post, Celeste also shared a heartfelt message for Baby S, expressing her love and excitement for meeting him: "Ti amo per sempre my little angel."
View this post on Instagram
beauty Queens react
Her candid post resonated with many followers for its honest portrayal of pregnancy's less glamorous realities, from body changes to mental health struggles and the physical demands of carrying a child. The comments section quickly filled with messages of encouragement from friends and fellow public figures.
Maureen Montagne wrote, "Praying for you and baby S! You're doing amazing Celeste![emoji]"
Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Lou Yanong commented, "Favorite version of you [emoji]"
Meanwhile, Bea Rose Santiago cheered her on with the message, "[emoji] Go Mama!! We can't wait meet baby S [emoji]"
Other beauty queens and celebrities also rallied behind Cortesi, with Maureen Wroblewitz, Sandra Lemonon, and Ruffa Gutierrez joining the chorus of support for the soon-to-be mom as she prepares to welcome baby Sergio.
Celeste's Instagram post came just one day after she and the baby’s father, British businessman Jonathan Sterling, confirmed their separation on September 30, 2026.
She had publicly announced the pregnancy in April 2026 and has spoken previously about the challenges of the journey, including in interviews and her series Celeste Unscripted.
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