‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Jennifer Affleck Pregnant with Child No. 3 (Unique)

The Affleck household is rising!

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jennifer Affleck is pregnant, anticipating her third child with husband Zac Affleck, the couple completely shares with PEOPLE.

The soon-to-be mother of three says that the most recent member of the household got here as a shock to Mother and Dad. “I used to be a couple of days late, and whereas it was a shock, we each had a sense there was one other child ready for us,” she shares. “We have been very excited, there have been numerous feelings after a really loopy yr!”

Their new arrival will be a part of son Lucas, 19 months, and daughter Nora, 3, who have been “past excited” to be taught they have been getting a brand new child within the household.

“Nora has been hoping for a bit of sister, and I can inform she actually desires it to be a woman!” Jennifer shares, noting she and Zac have determined to attend to seek out out the intercourse of their baby at supply.

“I’ve a robust feeling it’s a woman,” the truth star admits. “I’ve dreamed about this little lady for some time now, and I really imagine she’s the one I’m carrying.”

By no means miss a narrative — join PEOPLE’s free day by day e-newsletter to remain up-to-date on one of the best of what PEOPLE has to supply​​, from movie star information to forcing human curiosity tales.

Jennifer says that her being pregnant has been “fairly a journey” thus far, particularly as she adjusts to the newfound curiosity in her life after the success of the Hulu sequence’ first season.

“The primary trimester was actually difficult mentally and bodily; I skilled all of the signs—nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and temper swings. It is positively been chaotic, little doubt about it,” she shares.

“I assumed having two children back-to-back was robust, however this has taken issues to a complete new degree. With the stress of labor, motherhood, and the challenges that include being pregnant, it has been so much. On prime of that, I had some robust cravings and aversions — all I wished was pho and limes with salt!”

It is no secret that Jennifer and Zac have been the speak of Salt Lake Metropolis and past when The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives first season debuted on Hulu in September. As followers watched their marital dynamics and drew their very own conclusions, the couple handled fixed questioning and a few severe backlash.

“Season 1 took a toll, not solely on my marriage but additionally on my psychological well being,” Jennifer tells PEOPLE. “There have been many darkish days. There’s a lot extra to our story than individuals notice.”

She provides, “Whereas I’m not sharing all the main points on-line, it’s been important for our relationship and psychological well being to maintain our journey non-public till we’re prepared to speak about it.”

The couple can be making ready to share extra of their story within the present’s second season, set to debut on Hulu this Might.

“Filming will be extremely mentally draining, and including being pregnant together with all of the challenges I confronted this final season was an enormous problem. After coping with the backlash from season 1 and entering into season 2 with numerous baggage, this being pregnant has been the hardest,” she admits.

“Being pregnant is already extremely difficult each mentally and bodily, and with every thing else I used to be juggling, there’s little doubt this has been my hardest being pregnant but.”

She continues, “Nevertheless, these moments, together with carrying this child, have helped me notice what actually issues most. I’ve realized that assist and assets can be found in case you search them. This journey has profoundly modified me and formed the individual, mom, and good friend I aspire to be.”

Whereas there have been some robust moments, there’s one particular upside to this being pregnant — she will get to get pleasure from being pregnant alongside one of many closest individuals to her.

“My sister additionally lately discovered she’s pregnant after a few years of making an attempt with IVF, so we couldn’t be extra excited to embark on this journey collectively,” she says. “Each of our dad and mom have been additionally completely thrilled to listen to the information. They love being grandparents, so this was the right shock for them.”

Jennifer grew up in an enormous household, together with her dad and mom fostering kids whereas additionally elevating their three organic children. Welcoming her third child brings her one step nearer to having her personal massive household, similar to she dreamed of rising up.

“Having been raised with quite a few foster children, I’ve at all times dreamed of an enormous household, and seeing that dream come true is each thrilling and fulfilling. It may be daunting to consider elevating three infants whereas pursuing my profession, however I need to present girls and moms that they will obtain something they set their minds to, regardless of how unrealistic it could appear,” she says.

Because the household prepares for season 2 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, alongside making ready for his or her new arrival, Jennifer is hopeful she’ll rise to satisfy the second, wherever it takes her. Proper now, that is making ready for her child’s delivery — bodily, mentally and emotionally.

“I hope for a contented and wholesome supply. I’m aiming for an unmedicated and pure delivery, one thing I’ve been making ready for and dealing in direction of. I by no means thought I’d take this path, however I need to show to myself how robust I’m and what my physique is able to,” she says.

All through all of it, gratitude and pleasure are carrying her ahead. “I couldn’t have navigated this chapter of life with out the help of my household, my therapist and God!”