Hello, let me introduce myself first..
For the first 30 years of my life, everything was smooth and worry-free. I was my parents’ most beloved child, found my true love in college, and happily married him after graduation.
At work, I was my boss’s most valued employee. Whenever I was in charge of a project, colleagues would inevitably say, “Oh, then I’m totally at ease.” I was constantly named “Employee of the Year,” with generous bonuses every year.
Later, I started my own business. Within just three months, I had broken into the market and started making money. By the fifth month, I was earning twice my previous salary. Growth was steady month after month. Right when the business needed more hands, I serendipitously met an amazing partner, and the company reached a whole new level.
Really, it seemed like at every step, whatever I needed, a pair of hands would always place it right in front of me, just in time.
My Two Girls: Ellie & Mia
Meet Ellie, My Firstborn
In 2020, my husband and I decided to have a child. After trying for over a year, we finally got the news in 2021 that a little one was on the way. In 2022, we welcomed our first child, Ellie. She made me a mother.
She is utterly adorable—big eyes, rosy skin, chubby little hands. Every time I look at her, I can’t help but give her a kiss. She is pure joy, and I love her more each day.
But as a first-time mom, I faced unprecedented difficulties. The postpartum tearing wouldn’t heal, and the pain was excruciating. Clogged milk ducts made my breasts hard as rocks. The severe sleep deprivation… And what was even more crushing was that, with zero parenting experience, I was clueless when faced with her unexplained wailing, night terrors, refusal to nurse, constipation, diarrhea, fevers… I desperately searched online, longing for one accurate, truly useful answer!
It was during this time that I thought, once I make it through this “dark” path, I must leave a light on for other new moms.
And Then Came Mia
Ellie had just turned one when I got pregnant again. In 2024, we welcomed our second daughter, Mia.
Completely different from Ellie, Mia is a great eater and sleeper. Although she had her fussy moments in the first two months, starting almost from month three, she became super easygoing. She feeds on schedule, gradually sleeps through the night, loves her solid foods, and adapted quickly when I had to stop breastfeeding due to mastitis.
This made me realize just how vastly different babies can be! It made me even more determined to write about my experiences.
Why I Had to Start This Blog
The Catalyst: A Life Pivoted
After Mia was born, my business also began to decline sharply. I had no choice but to close it and become a full-time mom. My work no longer involves Excel and Word, but instead revolves around changing diapers, washing bottles, making baby food, and managing household chores…
This has been a monumental challenge for me. All my past achievements seem irrelevant now. Managing two young children has brought me a sense of frustration I’ve never known before.
The Daily Reality
They are always fighting over things. When one is in my arms, the other immediately demands to be held too. When I try to cook, Ellie wants me to read her a book. When I attempt to load the washing machine, Mia has a diaper blowout, and I must drop everything to change her…
By the time I finish all that, I see the cup of hot coffee on the table has gone cold again. And it’s not until evening that I remember, “Oh my goodness, the clothes are still in the hamper, unwashed!”
Of course, being a mom is filled with happiness, but that doesn’t negate how hard it is.
My Promise to You
Because I’ve walked this path myself, I won’t just tell you how joyful motherhood is, like many websites do. I want to share my real, unfiltered experiences so every new mom can find a “companion” here.
I want to tell you: you are not alone. What you’re going through, I’ve been there too. Your breakdowns, your helplessness, your moments of losing control—I’ve had them all. You don’t need to feel guilty. This is just a small, necessary stretch of the journey for every mom.
My Hope for This Space
I really want to share my parenting experiences—not just the warm, glowing moments, but to honestly document the pitfalls I’ve stumbled into, the tears I’ve shed, and the “survival wisdom” I’ve scraped together in utter exhaustion.
The Goal: A Mom’s Toolkit
I hope this blog becomes a “mom’s toolkit,” filled not with vague theories, but with:
- Practical Tips: Like how to quickly figure out why a baby is crying, tried-and-true methods for dealing with clogged ducts, or how to efficiently manage the daily grind with twins (or two under two) solo.
- Pitfall Avoidance Guides: Sharing the baby products I regret buying the most, and those “game-changer” parenting hacks. Letting you know which parenting anxieties you can let go of, and which principles are worth holding onto.
- A Community for Moms: I hope my stories connect me with more moms like you. We can cheer each other on in the comments, share our own tricks, turning the storms we face alone into a journey we walk together.
The Bigger Vision
My previous career taught me to analyze data, solve problems, and optimize processes. Now, I’m applying all those skills to this new “position” of Mom. I want to prove that a mom’s value is absolutely not confined to the home. The mindset, resilience, and creativity we built in our careers can shine just as brightly—perhaps even brighter—in this more complex, long-term “project” of raising humans, and can even be transformed into a force that helps others.
My hope is simple: that every mom who opens this blog can let out a sigh of relief and say, “So it’s not just me.” Then, she can find a bit of practical info, a dose of comforting solidarity, and return to her sweet, chaotic mom-life with a little more confidence and a little less weight on her shoulders.
This road? Let’s walk it together.
Re: Introductions
Due date:
November 6th
How did you find out:
I was 6 days late and that is not typical for me. I took a pregnancy test and it came back negative. I waited 5 more days and tried two different tests and they both came back positive!
Tell us about yourself:
I have been with my husband for 10 years and this will be our first😊
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally):
The only symptom is cramping all times of the day and it has woken me up a couple of nights. Super excited to be on this journey!
Hi I'm Lisa. I'm 38 going to be 39 in May. We have been TTC for over a year and had a chemical pregnancy jan 2022. We were working with an IVF clinic and just about to start treatment but spontaneously got pregnant so we are super excited we didn't have to go through all that. Currently 6 weeks pregnant.
Due date?
Based on LMP November 5. The IVF clinic is doing an ultrasound on Monday to make sure baby is growing in my uterus and not the fallopian tube. I have my official appointment with my ob at 8 weeks on March 28. Excited to see the ultrasound on Monday because I'm still in shock and can't believe something is actually in there!
How did you find out?
I had stopped testing but still kind of knew when I would be ovulating. I had missed my period for 3 days and got up at 530 am to pee and still hadn't got it so decided to test and surprisingly it was positive! So I took 5 tests because I couldn't believe it!!! Lol. I woke my husband up at 530 am to tell him. Of course his statement was " I knew it happened this time....it was different!" How it was different I still don't know but that is the perspective from a man lol. We didn't do anything different except a different position.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?):
I am a labor and delivery nurse myself so knowing too much about the whole process isn't necessarily a good thing. It's making me super nervous. I hope this one sticks. So far so good. I am also a dog mom to a 4 month old husky puppy and a 4 year old American bulldog mix. It will be interesting with a puppy and an infant.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)?
So far feeling great. Hungry all the time and some bloating and super gassy lol. Had occasional headaches right after I found out and sore boobs occasionally.
Due date? November 16, but I will deliver early due to a complicated history.
How did you find out? We’ve been doing IVF, so I had an embryo transfer about a week and a half ago, started testing at 6dpt (honestly was proud I waited that long) and immediately got a bfp. First beta this past Thursday confirmed, and anxious for second beta on Monday to make sure doubling.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?): I have been married to my wonderful husband for almost 6 years and we have a daughter who just turned 4 (her birthday is the day before mine!) and TW: pregnancy loss
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)? Some cramping off and on (not painful, just…odd) and an increase in appetite. Doing my best to calm my extreme anxiety, which actually has been better than expected so far, but it’s also a day-to-day situation. Having all the extra checks with ivf is helping.
How Did You Find Out - This was over 2.5 years ttc, and we did ivf. I waited until the phone call from the doctor after my blood test. This was it/our only embryo so it was a little bit of a fear factor to NOT want to test early.
About Me - I work in healthcare IT, been married coming up on 5 years, have a son about to turn 4 (and got pregnant with him right after we got married, so this has been a bit of secondary infertility [I think I had a medical issue 3.5 years ago that could be the root cause]). I love to travel, cook (if I have time!), read books, workout (which I’m on and have been on a low workout protocol), and mostly be with family.
Symptoms - I was super nauseous a week ago. Nothing sounded good to eat and my stomach hurt. That has seemed to disappear, and it’s really just getting super tired by dinner time and a little bit of sore boobs. I will also say bloated - but I chalk that up to all the ivf meds (lots of estrogen and progesterone). I’m glad spring is coming because I’ll need to wear dresses!!
Due date?
According to LMP I’m due November 12
How did you find out?
We’ve been trying since September of last year, doing LH testing and BBT, and I just had a feeling that maybe this month was our month. But I made myself wait until the day after my period was supposed to start, just to be sure (and not to waste a bunch of pregnancy tests). And low and behold, there it was, that beautiful plus sign :)
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?):
No other children yet. This will be our first, but we do have a beautiful dog named Bear (technically our first child). I work from home as a cookie decorator, which started as my hobby and slowly morphed into my job. I love to read and garden, and do diy projects around the house.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)?
So far I’m feeling pretty low energy with mild nausea and very tender breasts. My symptoms started right away, pretty much the day after I missed my period. Emotionally, it still feels very surreal. I keep having to remind myself that I’m actually pregnant! I can’t wait until my first doctor’s appointment to confirm that everything is going the way it’s supposed to
Babette, 31, two darling kiddos with a big gap (13 and 3.)
Due date?
Nov 5
How did you find out?
I have longer cycles, I tested in the “window”, negative. Waited a few days, negative. I was just waiting for AF to come, a little grumpy, hubby looked at me and goes “you’re eating ice cream at noon and you’re a little grumpy - you sure you’re not pregnant?” We’ve been trying after MCing and I was like.. no, tests were negative. It had been 4-5 days since I last tested, but I couldn’t get it out of my head the next morning - clear positive! Hubby said “he knew it”
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?):
I am a serial hobbyist - knitting, woodworking, gardening, quilting, etc. We have two little pups. Our kids are the best. My hubby is military but he shows up 130% for us, even gets his friends to show up when he can’t.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)?
Little bloated, little “meh” - tired. I sometimes feel a little nausea, but nothing crazy. After the MC I’m like, hoping I feel sick soon, just as some measurement to tell myself everything is ok.
Nov 2
We had to do Ivf so everything was really planned out for me…I didn’t test early so the phone call was a nice surprise to get. This is our first baby.
I’m a high school teacher, I love working out … the Ivf team just cleared me to workout again so that’s exciting! We’ve been married for 2 1/2 years and have two dogs. We love brunch, trying new places in the city, Philly sports, and antique shopping!
I’m feeling good minus the side effects from the Ivf meds :) just feeling bloated…already in maternity leggings because I can’t stand the feeling of tight clothing on me.
Due date:
November 18/19
How did you find out?
I have a 12 mo old and am breastfeeding. This will be interesting…
I work as a Transaction Coordinator helping Real Estate agents with their closing processes.
well I just found out this weekend and it’s been a lot to wrap my head around. I mean I have a baby. But I’m so thankful that I was chosen to be a mommy again and to have this opportunity to bring another wonderful person into this world.
Due date? I don't really know as I ovulated super late and haven't had my scan yet. According to LMP 2/11 but according to date of ovulation 11/11.
How did you find out? I found out at 8dpo with a very faint line. Confirmed by a blood test x 2 the next week.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?): I'm a teacher in Victoria, Austraila. We have two dogs and I love pilates.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)?
I'm feeling pretty good. This week (week 6ish) has me absolutely exhausted and very sore boobs. I'm pretty anxious about miscarriage as it is still early.
Based on LMP, my due date is about November 15, but so far I’ve always been induced at 39 weeks (first kid, water broke but labor didn’t start; second kid, unstable lie).
We decided to drop birth control in January because I was having serious problems, and to go ahead and try for one last baby before I got too old. And by old I mean tired. This past Thursday night I randomly decided I had better not do the super hot, overflowing bath just in case and decided that I was going to actually start tracking my next cycle. I later talked to my husband about going ahead and testing even though I thought it would be way too early (normally have a 35 day cycle unless on BC), but fell asleep. First thing Friday morning I stumbled into the bathroom and came back out a couple minutes later to show my husband a very positive test. Took a more expensive test that night and another today, and still very positive.
My husband and I are celebrating our 10 year anniversary next month and we already have 2 children, 6 and 4. I am a SAHM, and homeschooling. My son will be in first grade so scheduling will be interesting. In my “spare” time, I like to play piano and read/watch mysteries.
Actually feeling pretty decent (had bad HG the last two pregnancies). Very excited, still a bit in shock that it happened so quickly (don’t know why, my son took 11 months but my daughter was conceived the first cycle), and wanting to clean, declutter, and organize the whole house. But also sleep. All. The. Time. Oh yes, also some food aversions and coffee sounds awful right now, but usually start liking it again in the second trimester.
Edited to add: I also am bloated and keep feeling cold. Not so much when I’m outside, but when I’m inside. Probably be overheating in the summer, though.
Tell us about yourself: I have 2 cats and a dog (12 year old Beagle). My partner and I have been together for 4.5 years, and we will be moving into our new home at the end of May! We live in Ontario, Canada and I work as a registered massage therapist. We just started our own business so we are having our brands especially full with little baby too, but we are very excited and can’t wait for this new adventure!
How are you feeling: I currently feel okay (pregnancy wise), just some fatigue really. I am feeling nervous as we just got back from the Dominican (conceived on vacation) and I was drinking a little bit the first couple of days, had weird bites on my legs for some type of bugs, and interacted with feral cats and wild monkeys… I have my first appointment next Monday the 20th, so I’m hoping that everything will be okay with the baby. This pregnancy is a bit unexpected and with a later ovulation I didn’t think I could get pregnant this month.
Due date? We are expecting to meet our first little one around November 10th.
How did you find out? The news came unexpectedly to us as we were not trying however, after being a week late for my period I took a test and immediately saw two pink lines! Pregnant!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?): I am a Registered Nurse in our local inpatient psychiatry unit and am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. It is my dream to become a licensed counsellor and I am hoping to make it work but have not yet been able to figure out if I can really do it all... my husband Ross and our aussiedoodle Walter are both very happy and supportive.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)? Currently, I don't have any symptoms at all and surely have no complaints about that, other than I am having trouble feeling convinced that I could really be pregnant. I am hoping to have an ultrasound sooner than later for confirmation. Emotionally I am not yet excited, as I am facing the real possibility that after a break from school I may not feel able to return and complete my dream. I know I will embrace my role as a mother, but I am scared to lose myself along the way.
How about you ladies? Does this all feel real to you yet?
I’m Stefanie, I’m 36 and this will be our first baby!
We live in Montana.
Due date?
According to my LMP, it’s November 5th. I have an appointment March 28th for an ultrasound.
How did you find out?
My lower back was hurting terribly, and my back never hurts. I decided to take a test and it was positive ☺️
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?):
My husband, Luke, and I were just married January 21st of this year. I am an optician and he’s a lineman. We have a dog named Dawg 🐶
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)
Im feeling fine emotionally, but have had a lot of lower back and upper leg pain. I also have experienced a lot of nausea this week
Due date? November 3rd, but haven’t had our first ultrasound yet.
How did you find out? Stick test then confirmed by blood tests
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?): one daughter, three kitties, I work in horticulture, as does my husband
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)? Excited, nervous, cherishing the time with my first one as an only child,
How did you find out?
Been trying for a year and a half. Peed on lots of sticks.
Tell us about yourself:
Military wife and mom to a 3 year old daughter
How are you feeling:
No major symptoms yet, maybe some bloating. Just so tired and headaches. This pregnancy feels completely different to my first already. I’m nervous about giving birth again. Have a bit of PTSD, my cord prolapse with my first leading to an emergency c.
Due date: Nov 19ish?
How did you find out: Was scheduled for a medical procedure and took a test "just in case" not ever expecting it to be positive since I was on the pill lol.
Tell us about yourself: I have 4 little boys ages 6 and under. Been a SAHM since my oldest was born and hardest and best job in the world. Even though this babe was unexpected, I'm excited to get to do this one last time.
How are you feeling: some on and off nausea, lots of round ligament pain.
My name is Kristin, I'm 36, from Ontario, Canada. It's been a LONG road to get here (fully history in my siggy) so I'm still in disbelief that it's even possible, but I've been a part of TTGP since 2018 and have met some of my dearest friends there over the years, so I'm excited to be part of the Nov '23 BMB.
Due date? 11/11 for now, will see what they say at my first US next week.
How did you find out? We've been doing IVF for over 3 years, been TTC our first since end of 2017.
ETA: I caved and POAS 4dp5dt and had a vvvfl, and line progressions since then have looked great. We did an early beta @ 8dpt before we went on vacation which came back at 152, and numbers continue to look great this week.
*TW* We've had several MCs over the years and this was my 9th FET so we're cautiously optimistic. *end TW*
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?):
I work in Finance, which is the family business I swore I would never join, but alas here I am. DH just turned 40 and we celebrated with a week in Punta Cana, which was just what we needed as we wrapped our heads around being pregnant. We have an old dog who is going senile and is annoying AF, and an equally old kitty who doesn't know she's 15. We love to cook, travel, golf, and I'm an avid gardener.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)?
Incredibly sore boobs, tired, sensitive gag reflex, all water tastes like soap. Oh, and the night sweats, omg. But grateful I feel pretty good otherwise, just extremely bloated so I look like I'm 16w not 5w5d. I'm glad it's still winter here so I can hide under my bulky sweaters for a while longer. Emotionally, we have a history of loss so it feels like that has robbed us of all of the normal joy and excitement that comes with early pregnancy. But we're also very aware of how lucky we are to be here so trying to lean into that as much as we can.
TTC History:
Me: 36 MH: 39, TTC since Dec 2017
Aug '18: PCOS dx
Nov '18: MH SA - 19mil
Dec '18-Mar '19: Letrozole + TI - all BFN
Apr '19: Letrozole + TI, - BFN. Repeat SA (27mil) & DNA fragmentation test (17%)
Aug '19: Letrozole + HCG trigger + IUI + prog supp - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Sep '19: 2nd IUI, same protocol - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Dec '19: IVF #1 w/ICSI, PGT. 5 retrieved, 4 fertilized, 3 blasts, 3 PGT-A normal.
Mar '20: FET #1, perfect 5AA blast transferred. BFN.
Sept '20: FET #2, 5BB tsf. 9/18/20 BFP!! EDD: 5/27/21. MMC 11w
Feb ‘21: FET #3, last 6BB blast transferred. BFP, EDD 11/2/21. MC 5w3d.
May '21: IVF #2 w/ICSI, PGT. 8R, 7M, 6F, 6 blasts - 3AB, 3AB, 3BB, 4BB, 5BB, 6BA. Fresh tsf 5/13/21 - BFN.
June '21: PGT-A results = 3 abnormal, 1 low level mosaic. Referred to new REI, had consult with 2nd RE in between.
Sept '21: RPL, immune testing normal
Oct '21: IVF #3 w/IMSI, PGT. 33R, 26M, 23F, 9 blasts (7 day 6, 2 day 7). PGT-A = 5 normal, 1 mosaic
Dec '21: Positive for endometritis, RX Flagyl & Keflex
Jan '22: FET #5 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol incl. PRP, intralipids, prednisone, medrol, nivestym, fragmin - CP
Feb '22: FET #6 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol w/higher doses of pred & fragmin - BFN
Mar '22: Mock cycle for ERA - cancelled, repeat endometrial biopsy instead. Still positive for endometritis. RX ciprofloxacin & amoxicillin.
Apr '22: IVF #4 w/IMSI, PGT. 28R, 23M, 16F, 11 blasts. PGT-A = 6 normal.
June '22: FET #7 - Microdose lupron downreg w/kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol - double embryo transfer. BFN.
July '22: FET #8 - Mini stim w/Puregon + trigger, kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol. BFN.
Sep '22: Taking a break
Dec '22: Attempted abdominal myomectomy, fibroid too close to cervix and major blood vessels. Wasn't removed.
Feb '23: FET #9 - Modified natural w/baby asp, HCG trigger, PIO, PRP, Medrol, HCG wash, embryo glue - BFP!! EDD 11/11/23
Due date? November 7th.
How did you find out? I took a test 6 days before my missed period, as my husband and I were actively trying and I was tracking ovulation. I got my IUD out in the middle of January and we were very fortunate to get pregnant on our first attempt.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?): I’m originally from Florida, but relocated to Nashville, TN for 5.5 years before moving out to Colorado last year. We absolutely love Colorado, and I was fortunate to get in a few days on the mountain before becoming pregnant. My family enjoys snowboarding.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)?
The insomnia followed by the severe fatigue is something I’ve never experienced before in my life, not even when I was pregnant with my daughter. Ive been having the strangest dreams and struggle falling back asleep once I wake up. It has been a struggle.
TTC History:
Me: 36 MH: 39, TTC since Dec 2017
Aug '18: PCOS dx
Nov '18: MH SA - 19mil
Dec '18-Mar '19: Letrozole + TI - all BFN
Apr '19: Letrozole + TI, - BFN. Repeat SA (27mil) & DNA fragmentation test (17%)
Aug '19: Letrozole + HCG trigger + IUI + prog supp - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Sep '19: 2nd IUI, same protocol - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Dec '19: IVF #1 w/ICSI, PGT. 5 retrieved, 4 fertilized, 3 blasts, 3 PGT-A normal.
Mar '20: FET #1, perfect 5AA blast transferred. BFN.
Sept '20: FET #2, 5BB tsf. 9/18/20 BFP!! EDD: 5/27/21. MMC 11w
Feb ‘21: FET #3, last 6BB blast transferred. BFP, EDD 11/2/21. MC 5w3d.
May '21: IVF #2 w/ICSI, PGT. 8R, 7M, 6F, 6 blasts - 3AB, 3AB, 3BB, 4BB, 5BB, 6BA. Fresh tsf 5/13/21 - BFN.
June '21: PGT-A results = 3 abnormal, 1 low level mosaic. Referred to new REI, had consult with 2nd RE in between.
Sept '21: RPL, immune testing normal
Oct '21: IVF #3 w/IMSI, PGT. 33R, 26M, 23F, 9 blasts (7 day 6, 2 day 7). PGT-A = 5 normal, 1 mosaic
Dec '21: Positive for endometritis, RX Flagyl & Keflex
Jan '22: FET #5 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol incl. PRP, intralipids, prednisone, medrol, nivestym, fragmin - CP
Feb '22: FET #6 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol w/higher doses of pred & fragmin - BFN
Mar '22: Mock cycle for ERA - cancelled, repeat endometrial biopsy instead. Still positive for endometritis. RX ciprofloxacin & amoxicillin.
Apr '22: IVF #4 w/IMSI, PGT. 28R, 23M, 16F, 11 blasts. PGT-A = 6 normal.
June '22: FET #7 - Microdose lupron downreg w/kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol - double embryo transfer. BFN.
July '22: FET #8 - Mini stim w/Puregon + trigger, kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol. BFN.
Sep '22: Taking a break
Dec '22: Attempted abdominal myomectomy, fibroid too close to cervix and major blood vessels. Wasn't removed.
Feb '23: FET #9 - Modified natural w/baby asp, HCG trigger, PIO, PRP, Medrol, HCG wash, embryo glue - BFP!! EDD 11/11/23
Due date? 11/20
How did you find out? This is wild, but I just knew. No symptoms but I kept noticing babies starting at me or picking me out in a crowd to play peek a boo or wave at while we were on vacation. I thought to myself, I'm going to manifest a pregnancy. Pictured it happening. Took a test a few days later when I got home and it was positive. Then I took three more, all BFPs.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?): No other children (2 prior MCs). My husband and I have been married for almost five years. We have a 15 year old dog and 14 year old cat that I've raised from a puppy/kitten.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)? Still in disbelief honestly. The only symptom so far is sore boobs!
Hi! I’m Arena. 34 years old, currently in Michigan and first pregnancy.
Due date?
Estimated around November 17
How did you find out?
This is an IVF baby. We got a call from our nurse a little over a week after our transfer that I was pregnant (best day of our lives). My blood work since then has shown my hcg levels doubling and we have an early ultrasound scheduled for next week (yay).
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?):
My husband and I are college sweethearts, we have been together going on 13 years and will be married for 8 years. It has been a journey for us ttc, but elated that our first IVF transfer was successful. We have a rescue dog named Winston. We love to travel, hike and find great restaurants to eat at.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)?
I am feeling so excited, but also feel like I can’t be too excited. Infertility robs you of a lot. I am continuing injections and medication until I reach the 12 week mark. The PIO shots might be the death of me, but we are seeing this as “we get to do this for the baby” vs. “we have to do this to have a baby”. I am experiencing major fatigue, food aversions and low appetite.
Due date:
November 21st
How did you find out?
My DH and I have 1 daughter who is 5. She will start kindergarten in Aug. At the school where I currently work as a 4th grade teacher. My husband just finished school and will be starting as a CRNA.
I was feeling emotional just because of our prior losses. My first pregnancy prior to my daughter was a loss at 11 weeks my third pregnancy was a loss at 9 weeks in July 2022 and then we had another loss in December 2022 when I was 5 weeks. I'm feeling better that my numbers are looking good.
Symptoms my lower back hurts and I had 1 morning I work up feeling sick and then next morning I was having some mild cramping. I'm hopeful and have been talking positive to this baby.
Hi I’m Megan! I am 27 🙂
Due date?
November 17th according to LMP
How did you find out?
I was 3 days late and I just had a gut instinct. I took a test that evening and it was faintly positive. When I seen it I knew but my husband said I was crazy. I took 3 more tests the next day including a digital.. all positive!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?):
I'm a mom of 2 boys, ages 7 and 5. I have been married to my husband for 9 years this month but we started dating when I was 15 and he was 17.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)?
Due date?
This app says it is November 18
How did you find out?
I was having night sweats which is unusual for me. I was joking with my husband that it’s a pregnancy symptom since we’ve been TTC since late January, and lo and behold, it is lol.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?):
My husband and I have been married for 3.5 years, together for 6.5. This will be the first child for both of us. We have two sweet pups. I work at a courthouse, and I like to read, thrift, and do yoga and spin.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)?
Excited but also nervous. Not too many symptoms so far, just slightly sore boobs and night sweats.
Due date:
November 18
How did you find out?
I was supposed to be getting my period and instead I got some weird looking spotting. I thought I would get my period soon and never happened. I thought I would just take a test and it came positive! I was suspicious of it so I took it again-and again it was positive! So I guess it’s really happening, huh?
Tell us about yourself (other children/pets? Job? things you like to do? Spouse/partner?):
I’m 37 yo and work from home as a counselor. I am from Chicago and recently moved to Arkansas-so its been a couple of years with lots of changes. I’ve been married to Danny for 4 years. We have a very sweet golden retriever 1 yo puppy who requires a lot of exercise. I love the outdoors, walking, exploring, gardening. I like creating artsy stuff and spending time with my family.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)?
I have been feeling mostly calm but also anxious-anxious about things to come and things to figure out. I am a bit excited but still feels kinda surreal. Still processing it all. Physically, I’ve been having hot flashes at night and become really REALLY thirsty, which keeps me up all night as I’ve been uncomfortable and needing to pee a lot more. The first few days I had lots of back pain and felt nauseous mostly all day. Also an uncomfortable dull pain around the stomach. Very constipated in spite of all the water I’m drinking. Sore breasts and tired. Also been having pain around my left, back side-kinda worried about that.
I notice having lots of questions about if other women are also experiencing some of these symptoms. I’m happy to have found a community where I can read what others’ experiences are like.
Due date? Nov 10
How did you find out? Came back from vacation and had a feeling since I missed my period but was unsure as we were traveling and that could be the reason for the late period. I took 2 clearblue tests that didn’t work (test line never showed up). Had to head out to get more tests then used first response tests and they were positive.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?): I’m 31. Live in Phoenix AZ. We have 2 dogs (6 and 2 years old), no kids. Been with my husband for 7 years but married for 2. I like MixxedFit and baking. I love tea and traveling.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)? This is technically my second pregnancy. I unfortunately had a miscarriage last October around 6 weeks which is around where I’m at now so there’s some anxiety right now. I’m nauseous, vomiting once or twice a day, cramping, fatigue. I spotted for a day. Insomnia and headaches occasionally.
November 19, 2023
I took a pregnancy test on the first day of my missed period
This will be our first baby, we have two corgis and a cat and we recently got married November 2022. My husband sells lenses to eye doctors and I work in marketing for a physical therapy office.
I like to garden, I LOVE farmers markets and good food anything fresh and homemade is my ideal meal, I love to cook as well. I love being outside and going to the beach or lake also. I like strength training. My husband and I both coach local lacrosse school teams and clubs.
I was fine last week when I found out but I’m starting to feel nauseous and much more tired in week 5
Due date?
November 8 according to my LMP
How did you find out?
Had a stomach ache one night and my husband said “you’re pregnant”. Took 3 tests the next day (one day after my missed period) and all were positive!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?):
We have an 11 year old boy, a 9 month old boy, and 2 labradoodles.
How are you feeling (Any symptoms, emotionally)?
Extreme fatigue is my only symptom so far. Emotionally, I’m feeling very anxious. I’m always terrified of labor despite having very easy births with my first 2.
Due date: Nov 3rd(ish)
How did you find out?
Got my IUD out in January, let my body cycle once through without it, then in February we took a few shots on goal and bam! Here we are! Peed on a couple sticks wayyyy too early and got negative results, but 3 days before my missed period I decided to try again, and there it was! Two pink lines!
Tell us about yourself.
I have been married for a little over 3.5 years. We have 2 daughters (almost 3 and 1.5yo) and a 5yo golden retriever. My husband is a surgical resident so he works CRAZY hours and I am home raising the kids. We are both originally from Wisconsin, and are only here for my husbands training, so we don’t have any family near by - which makes raising such young kids even harder. Would KILL to have grandma swing by for an hour or two while I went to a doctors apt…or ran errands…or went to the bathroom in peace 😂
How are you feeling?
Definitely nervous. Like I said, without family/friends around and a husband who works 80+ hrs a week it makes things a lot harder. Plus 3 kids all so young seems daunting! But we always knew we wanted a big family so here we are! Living on a hope and a prayer!
I seem to be bloating like crazy already (pretending it’s a bump but it’s just bloat). More nauseous than I ever was with my first 2, but not bad. Super tired…all par for the course!