I’m Stephanie, 27 years old, and I want to share a story that’s close to my heart – a story of hope, struggle, and finally, joy. My journey to motherhood was far from easy. It was a path paved with uncertainties, but ultimately, it led to the most beautiful destination.
From the beginning, my husband, Jason, and I knew we wanted to start a family. We entered this journey with optimism, but as months passed, our hope began to wane. My periods have always been on the longer side, but all my lab results came back normal. Even an ultrasound confirmed cysts, but not PCOS.
Seven months of trying to conceive felt like an eternity. Each month that passed without a positive test brought a fresh wave of disappointment. To add to our challenges, Ben’s semen analysis came back with results that were far from ideal – only 8 million/mL, when the average is around 60 million/mL. My heart sank with the news, and I braced myself for the possibility that our dream might not come true.
Amidst this emotional rollercoaster, we discovered that Ben had been misdiagnosed with TMJ by multiple dentists when he needed a root canal. For almost the entire time we were trying to conceive, he had been suffering from a tooth infection. Moreover, he had contracted COVID-19 a few weeks before his semen analysis.
During this time, I also made some changes. I started running, which helped shorten my cycles and improve my cervical mucus. I took vitamin C before ovulation and ate beans to increase my progesterone levels. But ultimately, it was when I decided to “give up” and take a break from our intense efforts that I got pregnant.
The joy of discovering I was pregnant was indescribable. It was a moment of profound gratitude and relief. Our journey was filled with trial and error, frustration, and moments of despair. But it also taught me about the resilience of hope and the strength that comes from facing challenges head-on.
To all the women out there on similar journeys, know that your path is unique. It may be challenging, but it is also filled with potential for joy and fulfilment. As I prepare for the arrival of our baby, I am reminded of the strength and resilience that this journey has instilled in me. May you find peace and strength in your journey, and remember, sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most beautiful destinations.