Multitalented musician Julliet Miriam Ayub, popularly known as Jovial, has shared harrowing first‑trimester experiences during her second pregnancy, revealing profound fatigue, nausea, and sensory aversions that made self‑care feel impossible.
In a candid post shared on her official Instagram account on Monday, July 21, 2025, Jovial said the period was so intense that she went a week without showering and added that even brushing her teeth was a battle due to nausea.
She added that she resorted to body spray to mask any odour and relied on salt and charcoal powder to brush her teeth, tolerating toothpaste taste was unbearable.
“In my first trimester won’t lie I stayed 1 week without showering. Those raised in Mombasa uzuri tunatumiaga maji kwa haja yoyote so i didn’t smell but yooow! Aibu!. Kuoga first trimester someone had to drag me to the bathroom and I used to break down like a child!,” she disclosed.
“I’d wake up, put on my body spray and change my outfit. Brushing my teeth Kwanza taste ya toothpaste! I hated throwing up cause once i do, im gonna have a long horrible day. I had to find ways on how ill brush my teeth. kwa sababu kupigwa kimunju nayo ni lazima! Anyway, Salt did it for me, na charcoal powder.”
The ‘Jeraha’ hitmaker also advised her followers to use charcoal powder or salt to clean their teeth if they have issues with toothpaste.
“Try this if you have issues with toothpaste… kunuka mdomo nayo haibambi!” she advised.
Jovial on pregnancy journey
Jovial further encouraged expectant mothers to take it easy on themselves, noting that pregnancy can be a very difficult journey.
She compared her second pregnancy to her first, saying it’s been much tougher this time around. She acknowledged that while some have an easy pregnancy, others do not, and that is perfectly okay.
“What I’m trying to say is… take it easy on yourself! Pregnancy is a very difficult journey! Comparing my first pregnancy na hii wuueeeh hii imenitandika proper. If you had it easy, some won’t and it’s ok!” she said.
The songstress added that she has managed to shower and maintain her daily routines, doing makeup, cooking, cleaning, and occasionally updating her social media channels.
“Sahii naoga lakini I’m slaying with my bump, I put on my makeup, I cook, and I clean. I’m able to post here and there… I remember people asking nimepotea kwa mtandao I was going through it and I needed time,” she added.
“But I also accepted and decided to give my body time to adjust to the changes… And this can be easier if you have the right people around you to support you. One step at a time.”
