in vitro fertilization (IVF<\/a>) was the best route for us. Like so many other “infertiles,” my husband and I have accepted that we will never be bringing children into this world the good old fashioned way.<\/p>\nI just completed my second round of IVF, and I suspect we will be doing many more rounds before even attempting to transfer any embryos. (The transfer is the part of the IVF process where an embryo is placed into your uterus, with the hopes that it will result in a pregnancy).<\/p>\n
When that day comes, we will be elated, but probably a little guarded as well. While I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed with excitement at the sight of a positive pregnancy test, I also know the grief that comes with a loss.<\/p>\n
I am 0\/3 on pregnancies and that statistic terrifies me. After experiencing so many losses, the thought of ever being pregnant again can feel a little intimidating. I realize that’s not something you might expect to hear from someone who is going through IVF! I am putting my body and mind through so much<\/em>…and yet the desired outcome is a little scary!<\/p>\n\nI am 0\/3 on pregnancies and that statistic terrifies me.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
During IVF, you have as many as 3-4 ultrasounds and blood draws per week. It took me a long time to not feel sick to my stomach every time I would have an appointment. It brought back so many memories of being in my OB’s office and getting yet again another round of bad news.<\/p>\n
Moving Forward<\/h2>\n Recurrent pregnancy loss and infertility are the hardest things I have ever had to endure. No questions asked. It has taken a toll on my physical body, my bank account, my sleep, my social life\/friendships, and my stress levels.<\/p>\n
Our infertility journey is far from over. My husband & I know that it could take a very long time for us to have the two kids that we want so badly.<\/p>\n
We have also (sort of ) accepted that it might never happen or might not happen in the way we have planned. But we are both incredibly optimistic that a baby is in our future. If we didn’t have hope, we wouldn’t be giving up so much physically, financially, socially, emotionally, and mentally.<\/p>\n
In a weird way, I now have a deeper sense of gratitude than I ever used to. I am so incredibly fortunate to have access to brilliant Reproductive Endocrinologists and great benefits that allow us to afford treatment. It’s a privilege and something that, unfortunately, too few of us have.<\/p>\n
It has also validated my decision to marry my husband. I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else.<\/p>\n
Over the last few years, I have endured so much. But it has made me stronger and more resilient than I ever imagined. And for that, I am grateful.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
“At least you know you can get pregnant.” This is a phrase that I have heard countless times over the last two years, from well-meaning strangers, family, and friends who want to help, and even others in the infertility community. This is an example of toxic positivity, the phenomenon of people forcing a “positive spin,” […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11819,"featured_media":75826,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"topic":[2912],"pp_force_visibility":null,"pp_subpost_visibility":null,"pp_inherited_force_visibility":null,"pp_inherited_subpost_visibility":null,"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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