Former 'RHOC' Star Gretchen Rossi Says She's Having a C-Section Because She Has a 'Cervix of Steel'

Gretchen Rossi has announced she's getting a C-section due to her "cervix of steel."

The "Real Housewives of Orange Country" alumna, who is pregnant with her first child with fiance Slade Smiley, opened up to her Instagram followers Tuesday about the couple's difficult decision to schedule a cesarean.

"I'm a total hot mess right now," Rossi said on her Instagram Story. "I've been crying for the last two hours. I know this sounds so stupid, but after today's doctor's appointment, it was very traumatic for me because they had to do this pelvic exam to see where my cervix was, if I'm dilated or not, and it was legit so unbelievably painful. I started crying so bad and it hurt so bad that I started to have a little bit of a panic attack because I got lightheaded and I felt like I couldn't breathe. I just clearly am not doing good.”

"After that, I spoke with my doctor and talked about all of the issues I am potentially going to have by inducing so I went from thinking I can do this and have a vaginal birth to now, the doctor, Slade and everyone [are] suggesting that I reconsider and just do a C-section," she continued. "I think it's the right thing. It's the safest thing for me and the baby at this point because [the doctor] says I have a cervix of steel and it's not wanting to open up."

The reality star added that she "really didn't want to do a C-section" and asked her followers who have had the procedure to reach out to her.

Rossi, 40, and Smiley, 45, who have been dating for nearly 10 years and engaged for five, announced last December they were expecting their first child together after struggling to conceive for over four years. Smiley has two sons from a previous relationship.

The couple revealed on an episode of "The Doctors" that their latest round of IVF had been successful.

"Finally we have news, that we are pregnant!" Rossi said on the show at the time. Smiley added, "And we're freaked out... but in a good way."

"It's so wild," Rossi said. "It still doesn't feel real."

In April, the Bravo alums said they would be naming their baby, a girl, Skylar Gray. The middle name, in particular, has a special sentiment.

"It was so interesting because when I told Slade, it was so cute to see his reaction to it," Rossi told Access. "He was just like, 'Oh my gosh, I love the name Skylar.' He immediately took to the name."

"One day, we both kind of looked at each other and started thinking about his son, Grayson, who is sick," she added, referencing Smiley's 18-year-old son who has been battling brain cancer since 2006. "And he has been this, just, angel on earth. And he's this little unbreakable, amazing little man."

Rossi is currently 39 weeks along.

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