Alex Cooper Opens Up About Gestational Diabetes During Her First Pregnancy

31 July 2026

Alex Cooper has built her career by encouraging honest conversations about life's biggest moments, and now the Call Her Daddy host is bringing that same openness to motherhood. Just months after announcing that she and her husband, film producer Matt Kaplan, are expecting their first child, Cooper has revealed that she has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. By sharing her experience publicly, the media personality hopes to reassure other expectant parents that they are not alone while raising awareness about a condition that affects many pregnancies.

Cooper first discussed her diagnosis in a heartfelt video posted on social media. She admitted the news initially left her overwhelmed and emotional, explaining that she nearly cried after learning about the condition. Although she has always tried to present herself as resilient, she said the diagnosis came as an unexpected emotional challenge during what had otherwise been an exciting pregnancy journey.

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when hormonal changes make it more difficult for the body to use insulin effectively, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Cooper emphasized that one of the first things her medical team told her was that the condition can affect anyone, regardless of previous weight, diet, exercise habits, or overall fitness. She said understanding that fact helped ease some of the guilt she initially felt after receiving the diagnosis.

Despite having the support of her husband, family, and friends, Cooper admitted that the first few days after her diagnosis felt surprisingly isolating. She described feeling as though she was facing the challenge alone, explaining that pregnancy already brings significant emotional and physical changes even before unexpected medical complications arise. Those feelings, she said, made the experience particularly difficult to process.

Like many expectant mothers, Cooper said her first concern was for her unborn child. She explained that her immediate instinct was to focus entirely on keeping her baby healthy and doing whatever her doctors recommended. That mindset has helped her approach the diagnosis with determination rather than fear, even though she acknowledges there are still many unknowns throughout the remainder of her pregnancy.

Cooper also shared that managing gestational diabetes involves ongoing adjustments. She spoke about making changes to her eating habits, monitoring her health closely, and following medical guidance while accepting that some aspects of the condition remain outside her control. She noted that pregnancy often requires flexibility, and this experience has reinforced the importance of trusting healthcare professionals while being patient with herself.

One of the most comforting parts of the journey, Cooper said, has been reading stories from other women who have experienced gestational diabetes. Learning that countless mothers have successfully navigated similar diagnoses helped reduce her sense of isolation and reminded her that she is part of a much larger community. She encouraged others facing similar challenges to seek out supportive conversations and avoid blaming themselves for something they cannot control.

The diagnosis comes during an exciting chapter in Cooper's life. In May, she announced that she and Kaplan were expecting their first child together after marrying in April 2024. The couple had largely kept their relationship private, making the pregnancy announcement a joyful surprise for fans who have followed Cooper's personal and professional journey through her enormously successful podcast and the growing Unwell media brand.

Since opening up about her diagnosis, Cooper has received an overwhelming wave of encouragement from listeners, fellow creators, and medical professionals. Many praised her honesty and willingness to discuss a subject that can sometimes leave expectant mothers feeling anxious or alone. Her transparency has also sparked broader conversations about pregnancy health, reminding audiences that complications can occur even in otherwise healthy pregnancies.

By sharing one of the more difficult moments of her pregnancy, Alex Cooper has once again demonstrated why so many people connect with her voice. Rather than presenting a picture perfect version of motherhood, she chose to speak openly about fear, uncertainty, and resilience. Her story serves as a reminder that pregnancy often includes unexpected challenges, but with medical care, support, and compassion, many people successfully navigate those experiences while keeping both themselves and their babies healthy.