Mikayla Matthews Announces Surprise Pregnancy with Fourth Child
Mikayla Matthews, the 24-year-old star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has revealed that she and her husband, Jace Terry, are expanding their family. In an exclusive interview with People, Matthews shared the exciting news of her pregnancy, calling it a "surprise" and admitting that the couple was neither planning nor trying for a fourth child. The reality star, who has been open about her health struggles, including chronic illness and severe eczema, expressed shock but joy over the unexpected addition to their family.
Matthews explained that her health issues often cause irregular periods, so she didn’t immediately suspect she was pregnant. After a month and a half of feeling "off track," she decided to take a test. Despite not experiencing early symptoms—unlike her previous pregnancies—the test came back positive. Her husband, Jace, was by her side when she took the test, and while he’s typically calm, both were shocked and then thrilled by the news.
Embracing Motherhood and Health Amidst Challenges
For Matthews, this pregnancy has ignited a new sense of purpose. She shared that her health challenges have made her even more determined to prioritize her well-being for the sake of her unborn child. "I want this baby to be as healthy as possible. I want me to be as healthy as possible," she said. Her openness about her chronic illness, including sharing photos and videos of her eczema flare-ups on social media, has resonated with fans and showcased her resilience.
Matthews and her husband are already parents to three children: daughters Haven (5½) and Tommie (3), and son Beckham (7½). The couple shared the news of the pregnancy with their children during the filming of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives around Christmas. They waited until after her first ultrasound to reveal the surprise, and the kids were overjoyed, even joking that Santa had brought them a baby. Matthews described the moment as "so sweet" and admitted that the idea of becoming a family of six feels both exciting and surreal.
A Growing Family and the Mormon Influence
The announcement of Matthews’ fourth child has sparked her reflection on family size and her Mormon upbringing. She revealed that her husband’s siblings and the surrounding Mormon culture have influenced her mindset, with many believing that "once you hit three kids, you can have 10." While she initially thought she wanted three or four children, she now sees herself possibly having six. "It’s so wild to me that we’ll be a family of six," she said, laughing at how her Mormon roots seem to be shining through.
Matthews’ pregnancy is just one of several exciting developments in the world of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Her co-star, Jennifer Affleck, also recently announced that she and her husband Zac Affleck are expecting their third child. Fans of the show can look forward to a new season this spring, promising more drama, heartwarming moments, and a deeper look into the lives of the Mormon wives.
Looking Ahead: New Additions and Fresh Beginnings
As Matthews prepares to welcome her fourth child, she’s embracing the journey with renewed energy and focus on her health. Her honesty about her struggles and joys has endeared her to fans, who admire her strength and authenticity. With her growing family and the upcoming season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Matthews is ready to dive into this new chapter of her life with excitement and gratitude. Her story serves as a reminder of the beauty of unexpected surprises and the power of love and resilience in building a family.
