Nicole Zanatta of The Challenge is officially a mom– times two!
On Monday, Nicole shared on social media that she gave birth to twin girls, Seraphina and Madyson, on May 1.
While Nicole told fans that becoming a mom has been the “greatest blessing” of her life, she revealed that the “journey hasn’t been easy,” as both of her daughters were diagnosed with congenital CMV (Cytomegalovirus), a virus she admitted she “had never heard of until it became part of our story.”
“Since birth, we’ve spent time in the NICU, attended countless appointments which are still ongoing, undergone testing and started medications,” she explained. “I recently brought them home a week ago but our journey is far from over. Through every high and low, I choose faith over fear, resilience over doubt, and gratitude for every blessing along the way. I will give my girls every opportunity to thrive. I will always fight for them and advocate for their needs.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, CMV is a “condition caused by a common virus” which stays in the body for life after infection. CMV spreads from person to person through body fluids, including blood, saliva, urine, semen and breast milk. Symptoms of a CMV infection may include fever, fatigue and sore throat; however, in cases of congenital CMV, where infants are infected with the virus before they are born, symptoms/conditions may include low birth weight, jaundice, retinitis, microcephaly, enlarged spleen, pneumonia, seizures and development and motor delays.
Nicole shared Monday on Instagram that another difficult part about her daughters being diagnosed with CMV is that she didn’t know the virus existed while she was pregnant.
“Looking back, I wish I had known more,” she wrote, before acknowledging that June happens to be CMV Awareness Month. “ … CMV is one of the most common congenial infections, yet many parents have never heard of it. Awareness matters because early detection, education, and advocacy can make a difference.”
Nicole encouraged all expecting parents to “stay on top of your appointments” and “review your results,” as “what may seem like a common illness to you during pregnancy can have serious effects on your baby.” She concluded her post by thanking those who have supported her and her daughters throughout the last month.
“We have a long road ahead, but we’ll face it together,” Nicole added. “And to my sweet girls, Seraphina and Madyson: Mommy will never stop loving & protecting you.”
As fans of ‘The Challenge’ may remember, Nicole, who is a triplet herself, announced in December that she was expecting twins after previously opening up to fans about her struggle to become a mom.
“This journey tested my heart–through [intrauterine insemination] IUI, failed attempts, and moments of heartbreak–but it was also filled with love, strength, and unwavering support from my family and friends,” she wrote. “Today, I finally get to share the news I’ve been holding close for some time, I’m pregnant with twins.”
The following month, Nicole revealed that she would be welcoming twin daughters in May 2026.
“The gender never mattered to me but all I ever wanted was my own little family … ,” she told fans at the time.
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(Photos: Instagram)
