Monica Potter clears up pregnancy rumor to reveal health issue

“I have something to share…”

Cleveland’s own Monica Potter posted that message on Instagram coupled with a picture of her stomach Wednesday.

I have something to share...

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

Many speculated she might be pregnant.

But the Parenthood actress revealed the truth behind her belly photo with a series of videos Thursday morning.

“What I wanted to bring to everyone’s awareness was some issues that I’ve been having with my belly,” she said. “Sometimes these things aren’t talked about.”

Potter said she’s had colitis for almost two years.

“It’s not something very glamorous. I’ve had to wear adult diapers sometimes driving Molly to school. That’s not glamorous, either. But I think finding the right health care provider and dealing with these issues can prolong your life, and also diagnose things that you might not really understand.”

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

She used her post to stress the importance of getting checked regularly by your doctor.

“This is not meant to be a joke. This is something I take very seriously, and I haven’t really shared or touched upon as this has been happening. Colitis, ulcerative colitis, Chron’s, all of the auto-immune disorders and diseases that we face as women should be looked at. I urge all of you to go and get a colonoscopy. It’s not fun, especially the prep, but it’s something that can actually save your life.”

Potter also expressed her gratitude from all the fans.

“I’m OK. I’m just getting my yearly checkup to look at what’s going on down there. I noticed the bloat in my belly and I thought I should share this. Thank you all for the well wishes. I urge all of you, especially since it’s the beginning of the year, to go and get yourself checked.”

She added that she gets checked yearly, and has her next appointment this Friday.