Monica Potter's Fake Pregnancy Post Was Really to Bring Attention to 1 Important Issue

I have something to share...

A post shared by Monica Potter (@monicapottergram) on Jan 17, 2018 at 2:49pm PST

Monica Potter, best known for playing Kristina Braverman on the NBC dramedy Parenthood, posted an Instagram on Jan. 17 that really got people buzzing. The mother of three shared a picture of herself holding what appeared to be a pregnant belly with the caption: "I have something to share . . . " and her followers were quick to congratulate her on the news. But plot twist: it turns out the 46-year-old actress wasn't pregnant. Rather, she was opening up about her struggle with colitis.

Colitis is a chronic disease that affects the large intestine, in which the colon becomes inflamed, causing tiny sores to open up. And yes, it's extremely uncomfortable and often painful.

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The star quickly cleared up the pregnancy rumors by posting a brutally honest video about her difficult diagnosis:

Thank you to everyone who has sent me well wishes. I'm not pregnant but wanted to shed some light on some issues we all may deal with, especially women. It's never really talked about because it's not sexy, pretty, our glamorous to say the least, so I decided to share a photo to possibly inspire my friends (you), create a platform to share stories, and rely on each other for support and guidance. I've had colitis for almost 2 years and sometimes when I get flareups it's painful and frustrating, so for all of you who suffer from colitis or other abdominal issues, please know you're not alone. I'm going for a check up on Friday and following up with colonoscopy this month. I want to stress the importance of getting regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist or family physician. I hope this open discussion will lead to many other things we face as women, mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and every role we take on. Take time for yourself and go get checked. Even if you're not having issues it's important. Please note that I am not sponsored by anyone but me - I did this on my own, and just wanted to share. That being said, a huge thank you to these foundations that are bringing awareness and guidance to all of us for better health💜 #colon #colonoscopy #colitis #ulcerativecolitis #americanmedicalassociation #clevelandclinic #crohncolitisawareness #crohnsdisease #livehealthy #womenshealth #prevention #health

A post shared by Monica Potter (@monicapottergram) on Jan 18, 2018 at 6:09am PST

Monica explained in the caption why it's so important to get a conversation going about the challenges that come with dealing with a medical issue that's far from glamorous:

It's never really talked about because it's not sexy, pretty, [or] glamorous to say the least, so I decided to share a photo to possibly inspire my friends (you), create a platform to share stories, and rely on each other for support and guidance. I've had colitis for almost two years and sometimes when I get flareups it's painful and frustrating, so for all of you who suffer from colitis or other abdominal issues, please know you're not alone.

She even offered a personal example in the video of how it can disrupt her everyday life, admitting, "I've had to wear adult diapers sometimes driving [daughter] Molly to school. That's not glamorous, either."

After joking that she was "a little old to be pregnant," she urged her fans to follow her lead and schedule regular doctor appointments and colonoscopies, stressing "the importance of getting regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist or family physician." And she's totally right — your health should always be your top priority.