In a rare moment of vulnerability, global superstar Rihanna has shared that her third pregnancy has been fraught with challenges, both physical and emotional, leading her to declare that this may be her last. The 37-year-old singer, entrepreneur, and mother of two, who is expecting her third child with partner A$AP Rocky, opened up about the toll this pregnancy has taken, describing it as a journey filled with “too many difficulties and tears.” Her candid revelation, made during a recent promotional event for her role as Smurfette in the upcoming Smurfs movie, has sparked concern among fans, who are now questioning whether A$AP Rocky is stepping up to support her during this trying time.

Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Fenty, has been a beacon of strength throughout her career, from her meteoric rise in the music industry to her groundbreaking ventures with Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. Her pregnancies have often been celebrated for their bold, public reveals—first in 2022 with a stunning Harlem photoshoot for her son RZA, then in 2023 during her iconic Super Bowl halftime performance for her son Riot, and most recently at the 2025 Met Gala, where she showcased her baby bump in a custom Marc Jacobs outfit. But behind the glamorous announcements and her radiant public persona, Rihanna’s latest pregnancy has been a far more grueling experience than her previous ones, prompting her to reconsider expanding her family further.

“This one’s been different,” Rihanna said softly during an interview at the Smurfs premiere in Los Angeles, her voice tinged with exhaustion. “It’s been a lot of pain, a lot of tears. I don’t know if I can do this again. I love my boys, and I’m excited for this baby, but it’s taken everything out of me.” Her words, raw and unfiltered, painted a stark contrast to the confident, carefree image she typically projects. Fans, accustomed to seeing her conquer every challenge with grace, were shaken by the admission, flooding social media with messages of support and concern.

The difficulties Rihanna described are multifaceted. Physically, the back-to-back nature of her pregnancies—RZA born in May 2022, Riot in August 2023, and now her third child due in late 2025—has placed significant strain on her body. Medical experts note that closely spaced pregnancies can increase risks such as fatigue, anemia, and complications, particularly for women in their late 30s. Rihanna, who has always been open about her desire for a large family, hinted that the physical toll has been overwhelming. “My body’s screaming at me to slow down,” she admitted, her hand resting protectively on her bump. “I’ve been pushing through, but it’s not easy.”

Emotionally, the pregnancy has been compounded by personal loss. In July 2025, Rihanna returned to her native Barbados to attend her father’s funeral after his battle with pancreatic cancer. The grief of losing Ronald Fenty, with whom she had a complex but loving relationship, has cast a shadow over what should be a joyous time. Sources close to the singer say she has been struggling to process her emotions while juggling the demands of motherhood, her business empire, and her pregnancy. “She’s been carrying so much,” one insider shared. “The loss of her dad hit her hard, and being pregnant while grieving has made everything feel heavier.”

Fans have rallied around Rihanna, praising her for her honesty about the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood. Social media platforms like X have been abuzz with messages of encouragement, with one fan writing, “Rihanna’s always been real, but hearing her talk about her struggles breaks my heart. She deserves all the love and support.” Another commented, “Three kids in four years, plus losing her dad? That’s too much for anyone. We love you, RiRi.” Yet, alongside the outpouring of support, a growing number of fans have begun to question A$AP Rocky’s role in supporting her through this difficult period, with some wondering whether he is fulfilling his responsibilities as a partner and father.

A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been by Rihanna’s side throughout their relationship, which began in 2019 and blossomed into a deep partnership. The couple, who share sons RZA, 3, and Riot, 23 months, have often spoken about their mutual admiration and shared commitment to family. Rocky, a rapper and fashion icon in his own right, has been praised for his hands-on approach to parenting, with sources noting that he handles diaper changes, bedtime routines, and even late-night cravings for Rihanna. At the Smurfs premiere in Brussels in June 2025, he hinted at the possibility of their third child being a girl, playfully holding up a Smurfette toy and beaming with pride. “It feels amazing,” he told reporters at the 2025 Met Gala, where the couple announced the pregnancy. “We’re happy, and I’m glad everybody’s happy for us.”

However, some fans have expressed skepticism about whether Rocky is doing enough to alleviate Rihanna’s burden. Posts on X have speculated about his involvement, with one user writing, “Rihanna’s out here carrying the world—literally and figuratively. Where’s Rocky at? Is he stepping up or just posing for photos?” Another commented, “She’s talking about tears and pain, and he’s joking about having a ‘Wayans family’ with more kids. Read the room, Rocky.” The criticism intensified after Rihanna’s revelation that she may not want to endure another pregnancy, with fans questioning whether Rocky fully understands the physical and emotional weight she is carrying.

The scrutiny of Rocky’s role is not entirely new. In early 2025, he faced a high-profile gun trial, where he was acquitted of felony assault charges stemming from a 2021 incident. Rihanna stood by him throughout the ordeal, even bringing their sons to court to show support, a move that sparked debate about her loyalty and the stress it placed on her. While Rocky has been described as a devoted partner, some fans feel that his public persona—often lighthearted and focused on his music and fashion ventures—may not fully reflect the level of support Rihanna needs during this challenging pregnancy.

Despite the speculation, those close to the couple insist that Rocky is deeply committed to Rihanna and their family. “He’s her biggest cheerleader,” one source shared. “He’s there for the big moments and the small ones—whether it’s running her a bath or taking the boys out to give her a break.” At the Smurfs premiere in Los Angeles, Rihanna herself spoke warmly of their partnership, noting that their sons are “delighted” about becoming big brothers and that Rocky’s playful energy keeps their household full of love. She also revealed that they’ve already chosen an “R” name for their third child, a decision they agree on without conflict, underscoring their unity.

Still, Rihanna’s admission that this pregnancy may be her last has struck a chord with fans, who see it as a sign that she is prioritizing her well-being. “I’ve always wanted a girl, but God knows best,” she said at the Smurfs premiere, her voice tinged with both hope and resignation. “I love my boys, and I’ll love this baby, but I don’t know if I can go through this again.” Her words have sparked a broader conversation about the pressures faced by women, even those with immense resources, when balancing motherhood, career, and personal challenges. Rihanna’s openness has resonated with many, who admire her for shedding light on the realities of pregnancy that are often glossed over.

As Rihanna prepares to welcome her third child, her fans remain a pillar of support, urging her to take care of herself while celebrating her strength. The singer’s journey through grief, pregnancy, and motherhood has humanized her in a way that deepens her connection with her audience. Whether or not A$AP Rocky is meeting every expectation, the couple’s bond appears strong, rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for their family. For now, Rihanna is focused on embracing this chapter, even as she navigates its hardships. As she steps into the final stages of her pregnancy, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a healthy delivery and a chance for “Mama Rihanna” to find the peace and joy she so richly deserves.