Why Meghan King Edmonds Just Quit 'Real Housewives of Orange County' After Three Seasons

The reality TV star announced her exit on her website on Tuesday, along with a detailed breakdown of what went into her "multi-faceted" decision. Edmonds first joined the show as a guest in Season 9, before becoming a full-fledged cast member in Season 10.

"Today is a bittersweet day for me. After three seasons of the rollercoaster that is The Real Housewives of Orange County I've decided to hang up my OC Housewife hat," she wrote.

"As you might suspect filming this show takes a massive emotional toll: I'm literally filming my real life in real time and engaged in situations and circumstances which can be contentious," she continued. "Then, when the show airs, we relive some trying of the most trying moments in our lives and then endure the public's reaction; we never come out as winners to every viewer. But what you might not suspect is the physical toll: filming is grueling!"

During her time on the show, Edmonds struggled with fertility issues and underwent IVF. She welcomed daughter Aspen during Season 12 and is currently expecting twin boys.

"As I was filming the season 12 reunion I knew in my heart I was done: this wasn't my place anymore," she continued.

Though she initially planned to return for Season 13, her mind changed after filming the most recent reunion. "I was only 5 weeks pregnant when I filmed the reunion and I was already exhausted," she said. "I knew that I was going to have a long pregnancy growing the twins and it would be next to impossible to film. I could do it, but did I really want to? Twin pregnancies must be treated more delicately than a singleton pregnancy and are high-risk by default, so I also wanted to have a peaceful pregnancy with positive influences. Consistent positive influences are harder to find on RHOC!"

She said Andy Cohen was "completely understanding" with her decision to exit the series and heaped praise upon the entire Bravo crew.

Edmonds isn't just saying goodbye to "RHOC" though, she's leaving The OC entirely!

"I wanted to spend more time with my husband during baseball season and more time with my two young step kids who live full-time in St Louis," she wrote. "So Jimmy and I have decided to dig our roots into the midwest as we begin to build our dream home for our rapidly expanding family."

"I have made soul sisters in Shannon Beador and Tamra Judge and that can't be lost," she added in conclusion. "They have touched my heart and I would do anything for them and I know they feel the same way about me – what a gift to have found that on RHOC! But I guess it's time for me to become an actual real housewife of sorts. Oh, the irony!"