Jessica Lynch, 23, and her husband, Wes Robinson, 25, are expecting a baby girl, due in January. Lynch told PEOPLE that she gained 10 to 15 lbs. She won't announce their baby's name until after birth. She is still continuing physical therapy for injuries she suffered in Iraq in March 2003 when her convey was ambushed and she was taken prisoner, she says she has gone off her pain medications because of the pregnancy.
"I have to suck it up and take a little pain," says Lynch, who because of her back, leg and nerve injuries is considered a high-risk pregnancy.
"Mostly it's nerve pain where the nerves are trying to re-grow, just weird tingling and pain sensations up and down my legs." She plans to have the baby via C-section because doctors are worried the contractions and a natural delivery could put too much strain on her injured back. "I told them I'll take another scar, another surgery," Lynch says. "I'm kind of used to scars by now. One more isn't going to hurt. I just want to make sure it's – she's – healthy."
After the baby is born, Lynch says she'll take time off from college (West Virginia University, where she is studying to become a pre-K or elementary school teacher) to focus on her family.
Congratulations, Jessica and Wes!