Jessica Simpson Considers Permanent Birth Control After Challenging Third Pregnancy

As the highly anticipated arrival of baby Birdie approaches, Jessica Simpson is reportedly weighing a significant personal decision: taking steps to ensure her family with husband Eric Johnson doesn’t expand beyond their soon-to-be three children. The journey to welcoming her third child has been far from smooth, marked by numerous health setbacks and physical discomforts, leading the beloved singer and entrepreneur to seriously contemplate permanent birth control options for both herself and her husband.

Sources close to the star have exclusively revealed to HollywoodLife that Jessica is resolute in her stance. “Jessica is done having kids after this pregnancy,” one insider shared, highlighting the profound impact this difficult pregnancy has had on her. This isn’t merely a casual thought but a firm conviction, prompting her to explore irreversible measures to prevent future pregnancies. The 38-year-old “With You” songstress is “highly considering getting her tubes tied to make sure that she will not get pregnant again.”

However, Jessica’s considerations extend beyond her own medical procedures. She is also reportedly keen on discussing a similar, permanent family planning option with her husband, Eric Johnson. “And if it’s not her getting her tubes tied, she wants to convince Eric to get a vasectomy because she wants the shop to be closed,” our source emphasized. This joint consideration underscores their shared commitment to their existing family and a desire to prioritize Jessica’s health and well-being after a particularly arduous nine months.

The Emotional and Physical Toll of Pregnancy No. 3

Jessica Simpson’s third pregnancy has been widely documented through her candid social media posts, revealing a series of challenging and often painful experiences. From persistent bouts of bronchitis to severely swollen feet and intense acid reflux, this pregnancy has tested her resilience like never before. It’s a stark contrast to the often glamorized image of celebrity pregnancies, offering a raw and honest glimpse into the realities many expectant mothers face.

Chronic Bronchitis and Hospital Stays

One of the most concerning health issues Jessica has faced is a recurring and severe case of bronchitis. She publicly shared her struggle on Instagram, detailing how the condition returned four times within a couple of months, eventually leading to a week-long hospitalization. “Coughing with Birdie has been a crazy painful journey,” The Dukes of Hazzard star wrote in an emotional post on March 3rd, 2019. This persistent respiratory illness, exacerbated by the demands of pregnancy, undoubtedly contributed significantly to her exhaustion and discomfort. The need for constant monitoring of both her own health and the baby’s well-being added another layer of stress to an already challenging period.

Despite the immense physical toll, Jessica’s message also conveyed her unwavering optimism and concern for her unborn child: “I am getting healthier every day. Baby girl was monitored and is doing amazing! I am on my way to healthy!” This testament to a mother’s strength in the face of adversity resonates deeply with her fans, who have followed her journey with unwavering support and empathy. It highlights the often-unseen struggles behind the public persona, making her all the more relatable.

Other Pregnancy-Related Ailments and Everyday Challenges

Beyond the bronchitis, Jessica experienced a spectrum of other common, yet exceptionally uncomfortable, pregnancy symptoms that added to her woes. In January, she shared a striking image of her painfully swollen feet, a pervasive issue in late pregnancy that clearly caused her significant distress and limited mobility. Weeks later, she publicly battled “severe pregnancy acid reflux,” another common complaint that can be debilitating for many expectant mothers, severely impacting comfort and sleep. And in a rather relatable, albeit humorous, turn of events, she even managed to break her own toilet seat during this challenging period – a small but symbolic incident reflecting the broader difficulties she was facing.

The accumulation of these ailments – severe bronchitis necessitating hospital visits, extreme swelling, debilitating acid reflux, and even everyday mishaps – has understandably led Jessica to feel that “this pregnancy has taken a lot out of her this time around.” The cumulative effect of these physical challenges, combined with the emotional demands of parenting two young children while pregnant, has solidified her desire for this to be her final pregnancy. While she is undoubtedly thrilled to welcome a new daughter into her loving family, the profound yearning for this to be her last child is a deeply personal one, rooted in the desire to protect her health and focus her energy on raising her existing children.

Completing the Johnson-Simpson Family

The Johnson-Simpson household is already a lively one, filled with the joy and energy of two young children. Baby Birdie will soon join her older siblings, sister Maxwell Drew Johnson, 6, and brother Ace Knute Johnson, 5. Jessica and Eric, the former NFL tight end, have built a beautiful family since their marriage in 2014, and the impending arrival of Birdie signifies a new chapter and, potentially, the completion of their family unit. For many families, reaching a certain number of children marks a natural point to consider whether their family is complete.

The decision to halt further pregnancies is not just about avoiding future physical hardship for Jessica. It’s also about dedicating their full attention, resources, and love to Maxwell, Ace, and Birdie. Creating a balanced family life, managing multiple children, and navigating demanding careers are significant undertakings, even for celebrity couples with ample support. For many parents, deciding when to stop having children is a carefully considered choice that impacts the entire family’s future dynamics, well-being, and individual growth opportunities.

Understanding Permanent Birth Control Options

Jessica and Eric’s consideration of permanent birth control reflects a common discussion among couples who feel their family is complete. Two primary options are typically explored: tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men. While both are highly effective in preventing future pregnancies, they differ significantly in invasiveness, recovery time, and overall procedure, making the choice a personal one often based on individual circumstances and preferences.

Tubal Ligation (for Women)

Tubal ligation, commonly known as “getting tubes tied,” is a surgical procedure for women where the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, blocked, or sealed. This prevents eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus and, crucially, prevents sperm from reaching the eggs for fertilization. It can be performed postpartum (shortly after childbirth, often during a C-section or soon after a vaginal delivery), as a standalone procedure, or during another abdominal surgery. While generally considered safe and highly effective, it is an invasive abdominal surgery requiring anesthesia, carries typical surgical risks, and involves a recovery period that can range from a few days to a few weeks. The procedure is considered permanent, though reversals are sometimes possible, they are complex, expensive, and not always successful, with no guarantee of fertility restoration.

Vasectomy (for Men)

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure for men that involves cutting or sealing the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. This prevents sperm from being ejaculated, thus making a man sterile. It’s typically performed in a doctor’s office, often under local anesthesia, and is far less invasive than tubal ligation. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. Recovery is generally quicker and less complicated, with fewer risks compared to female sterilization. Patients can often return to light activities within a day or two. Like tubal ligation, a vasectomy is intended to be a permanent form of birth control; while reversals are possible, they are also intricate, costly, and have varying success rates, especially as time passes since the original procedure.

Jessica’s contemplation of either procedure highlights the shared responsibility in family planning within a partnership. The fact that she would consider asking Eric to undergo a vasectomy demonstrates a collaborative approach to their family’s future, acknowledging that both partners can contribute to this significant decision regarding permanent contraception. For many couples, a vasectomy is often considered a favorable option due to its lower risk profile, simpler outpatient procedure, and quicker recovery time compared to a tubal ligation, making it a pragmatic choice for family completion.

Life After Birdie: A New Chapter Focused on Family and Health

As Jessica approaches her due date and prepares to welcome Birdie, the emphasis shifts from the hardships of pregnancy to the joys of motherhood and the future health of her family. Her journey has been a public display of vulnerability and strength, reminding many that even celebrities face significant personal challenges and often choose to share their struggles to connect with a wider audience. Her openness about her health struggles has fostered a deeper connection with her fans, portraying her as a relatable figure navigating the complexities of modern motherhood.

With three children, Jessica and Eric’s hands will undoubtedly be full. Beyond the immediate post-partum recovery, Jessica’s decision regarding permanent birth control will allow her to fully embrace her role as a mother to Maxwell, Ace, and Birdie without the physical and emotional strain of potential future pregnancies. It marks a clear intention to prioritize her well-being, dedicate her energy to her existing children, and potentially refocus on her various successful business ventures and creative pursuits with renewed vigor and health.

The beauty mogul, fashion designer, and singer has always been candid about her life, sharing both her triumphs and trials with her loyal fanbase. This latest revelation about her family planning intentions is another testament to her honesty and authenticity. As she transitions into this new phase of her life with her complete family, fans will continue to support her, celebrating her strength as she recovers and embarks on this next exciting chapter of motherhood with her beloved children. Her decision reflects a profound commitment to her family’s stability and her own health, setting a powerful example for balancing personal well-being with family responsibilities.

Ultimately, Jessica Simpson’s consideration of permanent birth control is a deeply personal choice, driven by a challenging pregnancy and a clear vision for her family’s future. It’s a testament to her resilience, her dedication to her children, and her commitment to her own health, ensuring that “the shop will be closed” after Birdie’s arrival, allowing her and Eric to fully cherish their three wonderful children and enjoy the next phase of their family life together.