Alex Cooper is making it clear that she is not here for unsolicited pregnancy criticism. The Call Her Daddy podcast host, 31, fired back at an Instagram user who sent her a private message telling her not to complain about being pregnant. In a screenshot shared to her Instagram Stories, Cooper sarcastically replied: "'Pregnancy can be hard' oh Chris tell me about your pregnancy I would love to hear babe!" She added, "Just wanted to share all the dms I get like this...are from men lol."

Cooper's response came just days after she revealed she had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The mom-to-be opened up in an emotional Instagram post on Thursday, July 30, saying the diagnosis left her feeling isolated. "I was told anyone can get this no matter what your prior weight, diet, fitness level — literally anyone is susceptible to getting it," she explained at the time.

Key facts at a glance

• Alex Cooper is expecting her first child with husband Matt Kaplan.
• She hit back at an Instagram troll who told her not to complain about pregnancy.
• Cooper revealed her gestational diabetes diagnosis in an Instagram post on July 30.
• She announced her pregnancy on May 17.
• She and Kaplan married in April 2024 in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

A career built on bold conversations

Cooper became one of the most recognizable voices in digital media through her podcast Call Her Daddy. Launched in 2018, the show started as a raw and unfiltered talk about dating, relationships, and sex, but it quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon. Cooper's candid interview style and willingness to discuss taboo topics helped her build a massive audience, and the podcast became one of the most listened-to shows on streaming platforms. In 2021, she launched her own media company, Unwell, after a landmark deal with Spotify. The company has since expanded to include original shows, merchandise, and live events, and Cooper has evolved from a podcast host into a media executive.

Her success, however, has not made her immune to online scrutiny. Since announcing her pregnancy in May, Cooper has been open about the challenges of pregnancy while also dealing with a wave of unsolicited advice and commentary. Her new social media response reflects a broader frustration shared by many pregnant women who find themselves subjected to invasive opinions from strangers.

Pregnancy news and the scrutiny that followed

Cooper announced her pregnancy on Sunday, May 17, in an Instagram post featuring two photographs of herself and her husband, Matt Kaplan. In the images, her baby bump was on full display. She captioned the post with a simple white heart emoji and the words "Our family." At the time, sources close to the couple said that rumors of tension in their marriage were false and that they were excited about the new chapter. The couple had tried to hold out as long as they could before making the announcement.

Since then, Cooper has continued to share updates with her followers. But with the positive attention has come criticism. The latest incident began when an Instagram user named Chris sent Cooper a direct message lecturing her about "complaining" about pregnancy. The message reportedly said pregnancy was her "choice" and that "pregnancy can be hard." Rather than let it slide, Cooper decided to respond publicly, sharing the private message on her Stories and responding with a pointed comeback.

What is gestational diabetes?

Cooper's response was particularly timely because she had just revealed her gestational diabetes diagnosis. Gestational diabetes is a condition that can develop during pregnancy when placental hormones cause insulin resistance. It means that your body cannot produce enough insulin to manage blood sugar levels effectively. According to health experts, gestational diabetes can happen to anyone, regardless of weight, diet, or fitness level.

In her July 30 Instagram post, Cooper explained that she nearly cried when she got the news. "I'm not gonna cry on the internet because I've never cried on the internet, but when I tell you, I almost did," she said. She went on to say that the first few days after the diagnosis were emotionally difficult. "It felt very isolating. As much as my family and my husband and everyone was there for me, I just felt like it's me on an island," she admitted. She added that the diagnosis was especially upsetting because pregnancy already comes with so many emotional ups and downs.

Cooper also emphasized that her first instinct was to make sure her baby was healthy. "Obviously my first instinct was just like, 'Oh my God, I want my child to be okay and I want my baby to be healthy. I'll do whatever it takes.'" Her vulnerability in sharing these feelings has been praised by many followers, who appreciated seeing a public figure speak honestly about a pregnancy complication that is often misunderstood.

Why unsolicited pregnancy comments are harmful

Cooper is far from the only celebrity to face online pregnancy commentary. Many public figures have used their platforms to call out strangers who feel entitled to comment on their bodies, symptoms, or choices. Maternal health advocates say that unsolicited advice can add unnecessary stress to what is already a vulnerable period. They argue that pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes should not be minimized with dismissive comments.

In Cooper's case, the critic appeared to assume that she was complaining unnecessarily. But her posts were not complaints; they were updates about a medical condition that requires careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes can lead to complications if left unmanaged, including high birth weight, preterm birth, and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. It is also surprisingly common, affecting a significant number of pregnancies worldwide.

Medical experts stress that gestational diabetes is not caused by anything the mother did or did not do. The hormonal changes that occur in the placenta can interfere with insulin function, making it harder for the body to regulate glucose. In many cases, the condition can be managed with diet, exercise, and occasional medication, but it still requires regular testing and medical supervision. Cooper's decision to use her platform to discuss the diagnosis may help dismantle the stigma and shame that often accompanies it.

Standing up to trolls

Cooper's response to the troll follows a pattern she has established throughout her career. She has never been afraid to push back against criticism, and she often does so with humor. By posting the DM and noting that the rude comments come mostly from men, she highlighted a larger truth about the double standards pregnant women face. Women are expected to be grateful for their pregnancies, but they are also told not to talk about the hard parts. When they do express concerns, they are often accused of complaining or being ungrateful.

Cooper's note that her negative messages are from men also points to a significant cultural issue: people who have never experienced pregnancy often feel qualified to offer opinions about it. Her response turned the situation around by inviting the critic to share his own pregnancy experience — which, of course, he cannot.

The online response to Cooper's clapback has been largely supportive. Followers praised her for calling out the troll and for normalizing the complexities of pregnancy. Many shared their own stories of receiving unsolicited judgment from strangers, family members, and even health care providers. The conversation has reignited discussions about how pregnant people are treated in public spaces and online.

Life with Matt Kaplan

Cooper and Kaplan married in April 2024 in Riviera Maya, Mexico. At the time, Cooper described the wedding as "everything we wanted it to be." In an interview with Vogue, she said the ceremony was emotional and heartfelt. The couple, who have kept many details of their relationship private, have appeared supportive of each other throughout the pregnancy. Kaplan, a film producer, has been by Cooper's side at appointments and during her public announcements.

As Cooper navigates this next chapter, she continues to balance her professional commitments with the realities of pregnancy. She remains a prominent voice in entertainment and digital media, and her willingness to share both the joyful and difficult moments of her pregnancy has only deepened her connection with her audience.

The criticism she received this week did nothing to quiet her. Instead, it gave her another opportunity to speak candidly about what pregnancy really looks like — including the unglamorous, difficult moments. Cooper's message to the Internet is clear: pregnant women deserve empathy, not judgment, and anyone who disagrees should probably keep scrolling.

Source: MSN News