Jenna Compono and husband Zach Nichols will soon become a family of seven, as The Challenge stars announced this week that they are expecting their fifth child, just six months after the arrival of their fourth.
“Secrets out!” Jenna posted to social media on Tuesday. “Adding baby #5 to our crew!”
Zach shared the same photos to his Instagram page, telling fans, “The starting five is confirmed. Nichols number 5 coming this August.”
Jenna and Zach, who met on ‘The Challenge’ and married in March 2021, first became parents in September 2021 with the arrival of their son, Anthony Joseph. The pair welcomed their second child, daughter Liliana Marie, in December 2022; followed by baby number three, daughter Carmella Jean, in February 2024; and daughter Francesca “Frankie” Rose last summer.
While Jenna told People that she and Zach were planning to try for another baby in a couple of months, she said they were “really surprised” at how soon it happened this time around.
“The crazy part is, this one is due on Frankie’s first birthday!” Jenna shared. “August 10, 2026, talk about Irish Twins.”
Back in October, Jenna joked on social media about getting to enjoy an alcoholic beverage at a wedding due to her “not being pregnant for once,” though it wasn’t too long before she and Zach found out that she was expecting yet again.
“I found out Jenna was expecting when she showed me the pregnancy stick in the car on the way to the Christmas party,” Zach told People. “I was shocked to say the least, but it’s not like I didn’t know it was coming at some point. Jenna has made it very clear she wanted numerous kids.”
Jenna maintained that plan even after Zach received backlash from fans in 2023 for revealing on a podcast (on which Jenna was also a guest) that he leaves most of the parenting tasks to his wife and that he’s “very lucky” he doesn’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to tend to their children.
Jenna went on to defend her husband on the episode, arguing that Zach frequently cleans around their house and that he works full-time, which allows her to be a stay-at-home mom.
While Zach may work full-time, Jenna pointed out this week that she’s spent most her time being knocked up.
“I have been pregnant for four years straight,” she said. “This is just how I normally feel now.”
Still, Jenna insists that everyone is “happy and excited” for her and Zach to be growing their family again, even if some do think that the pair “are absolutely crazy to have 5 [kids] under 5 years old.”
“It’s always exciting to see our parents’ reactions because they both come from big families,” she said. “My mom’s one of seven, my dad’s one of eight, I am one of six, Zach’s one of five. It just wouldn’t feel right if we didn’t keep going, it’s what we are used to!”
While Zach confirmed that everyone is excited for him and Jenna, he revealed that many are hoping that their fifth kid will be a boy.
“They are praying for me that we have a boy this time for my sanity, but as long as the baby’s healthy, that’s all that matters,” he said.
Jenna noted that she and Zach will find out the sex of their fifth baby this week. She also seemed to confirm that they plan to welcome even more children in the near future.
“Every baby I have means I’m closer to being done with having them, so who knows, maybe we will aim for 10!” she said. “As always, we are excited to bring a new baby in our lives, although we are crazy for having 5 under 5 years old, I wouldn’t trade the chaos for anything.”
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(Photos: Instagram)
7 Responses
5 in 5 years is crazy. I genuinely hope she has support outside of Zach because that is a lot to take on.
I hope they also take into account Jenna’s health, that many pregnancies back to back isn’t good for anyone.
People with some many kids in rapid succession have mental issues
Good for them because I have two kids and I love them, wish I could’ve had more. Having kids is amazing, a blessing and your life is not complete and you will not grow and experience the full spectrum of life if you do not have kids. Kids change the way you see everything and changes your whole life for the better, if you’re a good parent anyways
I feel like they could have their own reality show. Five kids under five with a tool husband, will always entertain a large audience.
WTF?
Whatever floats your boat. Hopefully Zach is nice to her.
Jesus, they’re quicker than the fundies