My partner Jake and I always envisioned a big family; he often jokes about wanting “five or so kids.” Upon getting married, we eagerly discussed starting our journey into parenthood. However, given our honeymoon in Mexico—a location with potential Zika virus exposure—we decided to hold off for a bit. The wait was excruciating, but we cherished our first few months of married life.
Just two months into trying, I discovered I was pregnant. I took a test a few days before my expected period, and there it was—a very faint line. In disbelief, I rushed to the store for an early detection kit and a digital test. The results were overwhelmingly positive! I wanted to share this incredible news with Jake in a special way, so I picked up a cute onesie to surprise him later that evening. The joy we felt was immeasurable, and we could hardly wait to tell our families. Even though it was early, our love for this little one was already profound.
The first trimester was challenging; I struggled with constant nausea that no amount of ginger ale or saltines seemed to alleviate. Friends assured me that this meant a healthy pregnancy and a perfect baby, and I believed them. Despite feeling unwell, I was thrilled to be pregnant and loved my growing belly.
After a successful 12-week ultrasound and blood work, we were overjoyed to learn that everything looked perfect. We decided to find out the baby’s gender at 18 weeks, planning a surprise for our family during Thanksgiving. After a series of excited activities to coax our little one into revealing herself, we learned we were having a girl! Jake and I cried tears of joy, and we couldn’t wait to share our happiness over turkey dinner.
The second trimester passed uneventfully. Once the nausea eased, I only experienced minor aches and swelling. Our baby’s heartbeat was strong at every check-up, and her movements were constant, even with an anterior placenta.
As I entered my third trimester, my excitement reached new heights. The countdown was on—we would meet our daughter in just 12 weeks! I passed my gestational diabetes test but noticed some mild swelling and elevated blood pressure during my routine 28-week check-up. My doctor discussed preeclampsia, outlining the signs to watch for. Fortunately, my lab results were normal, but I couldn’t shake the worry that had begun to creep in.
In the midst of my joy, I found myself drawn to resources on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re exploring this journey, consider checking out Make a Mom, an at-home insemination company offering the only reusable option. Their How It Works page provides a thorough overview of the process. Additionally, if you’re seeking support, Make a Mom’s Facebook group is a great place to connect with others.
Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed when I went for a routine appointment later in my pregnancy. The news was devastating: our little girl had passed away. The pain of losing her was unimaginable, and navigating this grief has been a journey filled with ups and downs.
For those interested in learning more about in vitro fertilization, Wikipedia offers comprehensive information. I also recommend reading about another family’s journey in overcoming vaginismus and succeeding with home insemination, which can be found here. For those curious about the signs of pregnancy, visit Make a Mom’s page for excellent resources.
To Summarize:
This heartfelt story highlights the journey of love and loss that many parents endure. From the initial excitement of pregnancy to the heartbreaking experience of stillbirth, navigating these emotions is profoundly difficult. Resources and support can help others facing similar challenges, offering a sense of community and understanding during such a painful time.