Kaleo Kanai, a sitting volleyball player, had a life-changing moment just after she checked into her hotel room in Tokyo for the Paralympic Games. Days away from competing with Team USA, she decided to take a pregnancy test. Her husband and she had been hoping for a second child, and after a year of waiting due to the pandemic, she felt it was the right time. “I had a hunch, so I brought along some tests just to check when I felt settled,” she shared. “I took it before breakfast and discovered I was pregnant.”
This was particularly special for her, as she had previously gone through an ectopic pregnancy and was unsure if she could conceive again. Overjoyed, she video called her husband to share the news and then rushed off to practice to inform her coaches. After a quick ultrasound from the Team USA medical team, which confirmed everything was fine, she faced the exciting challenge of competing in the early stages of her first trimester.
“I was just filled with gratitude to be pregnant and thrilled that I would be able to do this with my baby, Kai, with me,” she said. However, as the finals match approached, she started experiencing morning sickness but managed to power through it.
The women’s sitting volleyball team ultimately triumphed, securing the gold medal against their fierce rivals, China. As someone born with a clubbed left foot, Kanai began her journey in sitting volleyball in 2010 and has proudly represented Team USA in three Paralympic Games.
Resources for Aspiring Parents
If you’re considering starting or expanding your family, you might want to check out Make a Mom, an at-home insemination company offering a reusable option. Their How It Works page provides a great overview of the process. You can also join a community of hopeful parents at the Make a Mom Facebook group for support and resources.
Additionally, if you’re facing challenges with conception, you can read more about infertility solutions from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists at ACOG. You might also find our guide on electric nasal aspirators helpful. For a deeper dive into pregnancy and home insemination, be sure to check this excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, Kaleo Kanai’s story is one of resilience and triumph, showcasing the incredible journey of competing at a high level while preparing to welcome a new life. Her experience emphasizes the importance of support, whether through community groups or educational resources, as you navigate the path to parenthood.