There’s something truly special about revealing your pregnancy to loved ones and witnessing their heartfelt reactions. My best friend from childhood burst into tears, my sister exclaimed, “I knew it!”—and then there’s my grandpa, who has heard the news over 60 times.
About a decade ago, my grandpa started showing early signs of dementia. Since then, each day has turned into our own version of 50 First Dates, where my family shares “news”—both joyful and somber—that he processes and then almost immediately forgets. The silver lining? I get to experience his excitement anew every time he learns that he’s about to become a great-grandfather. Watching his face light up each time is a joy that never gets old.
Living just 30 minutes away from my hometown allows me to see my grandparents frequently. In my quest for low-impact, pregnancy-safe exercises, I decided to join them for water aerobics three times a week. As we prepare to start our routine, I casually mention my latest pregnancy symptom. “You’re pregnant?!” my grandpa asks, followed quickly by, “Oh, I knew that,” though his certainty is not quite there.
Our conversations vary, but one thing remains consistent: his wide, joyful smile. These days, my growing baby bump also serves as a helpful visual cue that he often points to, looking at me with curiosity.
Dementia encompasses a range of symptoms, including memory loss, speech difficulties, and challenges in physical coordination. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects my grandpa. According to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s is characterized by “plaques and tangles in the brain.”
If you’re considering starting your own journey to parenthood, resources like MakeAMom provide innovative options for at-home insemination, including the only reusable method available. You can also explore how at-home insemination works to see if it’s the right path for you. For those looking for support, joining a community like MakeAMom’s free sperm donor matching group can be incredibly helpful.
Additionally, for insights on donor insemination, you can refer to the American Pregnancy Association, which is a respected authority in this area. If you’re curious about hormone test kits, check out our resource on how hormone test kits work.
For inspiration, read about a journey similar to mine in our post about someone who, after trying to conceive for over two years and undergoing three rounds of IUI, finally received a positive pregnancy test through MakeAMom.
To Summarize:
Sharing my pregnancy news repeatedly with my grandpa has been a bittersweet experience, highlighting the challenges of dementia while also celebrating the joy of family. If you’re navigating your own path to conception, consider exploring the resources available for at-home insemination and donor matching, as well as support from established organizations.