Trying to understand the incredible complexities of pregnancy and childbirth is no easy task for those who’ve never experienced it firsthand. The hosts of YouTube’s popular show, “Good Mythical Morning,” Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, took on that challenge, albeit in their own comedic and borderline chaotic way, by simulating pregnancy and labor symptoms using tools like the Empathy Belly and TENS machines. In a recent episode, their lighthearted approach opened the door to meaningful conversations about the physical and emotional toll of motherhood, all while delivering their signature humor.

The Setup: Empathy Belly and an Invaluable Guide

Rhett and Link began the episode by donning the Empathy Belly, a $1,000 weighted suit designed to mimic the sensations of pregnancy. The suit features weights, water bladders, and carefully positioned elements to simulate the awkward body movements, increased body temperature, bladder pressure, and shortness of breath that many pregnant people endure. "I feel that," Link remarked, illustrating the immediate discomfort and adjustment required to perform even simple tasks.

Guiding them through the experience was Mythical Chef Nicole, a recent mother returning from maternity leave. Her candor about the joys and pains of childbirth added depth to the episode, grounding the show’s antics in reality. Nicole humorously described giving birth as "absolutely terrible," yet also emphasized that it was "a hundred percent worth it" to hold her newborn daughter.

Everyday Challenges, Amplified

The first test was navigating typical daily activities while wearing the Empathy Belly—starting with getting in and out of bed. While Link heroically attempted a "rolled dismount," Nicole pointed out the standard workaround: avoiding back-sleeping and relying on a pregnancy pillow. This segued into another awkward scenario: using the bathroom. The simulation magnified the difficulty of personal hygiene, with Link asking for detailed instructions, much to the amusement (and slight horror) of the crew in the room.

Then came shaving legs, which elicited frustration and lower back complaints. "Shaving... just feels like this is something you let go of," Link quipped, noting how climbing over the barrier of the simulated belly added an unnecessary complication. Nicole’s response was hilarious yet freeing: "It’s up to you."

Another hurdle was putting on pants, socks, and shoes. Even this mundane task became monumental as Rhett and Link struggled against the weight and constraints of the Empathy Belly. By the end of the challenge, the pair admitted feeling physically grumpy and already fatigued—despite their journey still being far from complete.

Simulating Labor with TENS Machines

The finale of the experience was, predictably, the most daunting: labor. Using TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machines, which provide electrical impulses to simulate the contractions of labor, Rhett and Link braced themselves to "give birth." Each TENS machine setting intensified the contractions' severity, presenting them with progressively harder challenges that left them clutching stress balls and struggling to remember their breathing techniques.

"It’s like a crazy crunch," Link described. Both men broke into a sweat, and there were moments of genuine discomfort, particularly as they ventured into higher settings. Nicole added her own birth story for comparison—a harrowing experience involving C-section complications and a substantial loss of blood, which underscored the real risks and stakes involved in childbirth.

But here’s where the twist lies: Rhett later confessed that his TENS unit wasn’t even active on medical advice from his cardiologist. The revelation sent Link reeling, who had fully committed to the exercise. "You stinker," Link exclaimed, feeling betrayed by Rhett’s "medical cowardice" as he continued to endure the simulated contractions.

Humor Meets Empathy

While the episode was undoubtedly filled with absurd visual comedy and exaggerated antics, its broader message didn’t get lost. The co-hosts repeatedly emphasized how their wives and women in general endure these challenges daily, not just for moments but for months. By broadcasting their attempts (and failures) to handle the experience with humor, Rhett and Link highlighted the physical toll of motherhood while addressing societal expectations surrounding it.

The pair’s takeaway? Empathy. Both men left the experience thoroughly drenched in sweat and humbled. "For all the women out there," Link concluded dramatically. “We got this!” They might have been only half-joking.

The Broader Context of Pregnancy Simulations

Pregnancy simulation suits and tools like TENS machines are often used in educational contexts or by partners looking to appreciate the experiences of pregnant individuals. However, even the best simulators can only skim the surface of what real pregnancy entails. Nicole’s story alone brought attention to how no two pregnancies are alike—she spoke about her own relatively symptom-free pregnancy but harrowingly difficult birth.

Episodes like this help shed light—if humorously—on the layers of effort required to bring new life into the world. And while the experience is undeniably grueling, "Good Mythical Morning" also emphasized the reward: healthy, happy children and the indescribable feeling of holding them for the first time.

Wrapping It Up

Rhett and Link’s pregnancy simulation may have involved comedic exaggerations and stunts, but it succeeded in directing attention toward the challenges and realities pregnant women face. By blending earnestness with levity, the duo delivered an unforgettable episode that left viewers laughing—and perhaps thinking a little deeper about empathy along the way.