20 Milestones in My Conception Journey: From Pill to Pregnancy
1. Introduction
Hello everyone! Today, I want to share my personal journey of conception. It’s a journey that started with me coming off the pill after 11 years and culminated in the joy of pregnancy.
This journey was not just about the end goal, but also about understanding my body, its cycles, and the technical aspects of conception. So, let’s dive in!
2. Coming Off the Pill
In September 2020, at the age of 29, I decided to come off the pill. My goal was to prepare my body for conception and get my natural cycle back on track. The plan was to start trying to conceive by September 2021. However, as life would have it, we started trying much earlier and got pregnant in April 2021.
3. The Initial Steps
After coming off the pill, I immediately set up an appointment with my doctor. I underwent bloodwork to check for antibodies and ensure I was up-to-date on certain vaccines.
My partner, Michael, and I also did genetic testing. The results showed that I needed two vaccine boosters, MMR and Varicella. Since these are live vaccines, I was advised not to try to get pregnant during this time.
4. The Journey Begins
By October 2020, I was ready to start trying. Despite needing to get my period back and dealing with health issues like daily migraines and a diagnosis of celiac disease, I was determined.
I started tracking everything about my ovulation and cycle. I took my basal body temperature every morning, used over-the-counter ovulation predictor kits, digital OPKs, and checked my daily cervical fluid.
5. Overcoming Challenges
Despite regular ovulation, my cycle was longer than average, about 40 days. This, coupled with health issues and stress, led to my period disappearing completely by December. I consulted my OBGYN and started taking a progesterone supplement to induce my period.
6. A New Beginning
In January 2021, I made a significant lifestyle change – I cut out gluten completely. This not only helped with my migraines but also brought back my period. With my health improving, I finally got the green light to start trying to conceive!
7. The Joy of Conception
One of the most common questions I get is about the timing of intercourse for conception. The truth is, it varies for everyone as we all ovulate on different days.
For us, we started having sex every day throughout my fertile window when I hit the ovulation stage. And guess what? All the planning and prepping paid off, and we got pregnant that month!
8. The Tools of the Trade
During my conception journey, I relied on several products and services that were instrumental in helping me understand my body and its cycles.
One of the first things I did after coming off the pill was to start tracking my ovulation. I used the Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test, which I found to be incredibly accurate and easy to use.
Every morning, I would wake up and take my basal body temperature using a BBT thermometer. I also checked my cervical fluid daily, which was something I learned from reading the book “Taking Charge of Your Fertility” by Toni Weschler.
9. The Emotional Rollercoaster
The journey to conception was an emotional rollercoaster. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety when I first decided to come off the pill. There were days when I felt hopeful, and there were days when I felt overwhelmed by the uncertainty. But through it all, I learned to trust my body and its processes.
10. The Joy of Conception
The day I found out I was pregnant was one of the happiest days of my life. I remember looking at the positive pregnancy test in disbelief, my heart filled with joy and relief. It was a moment I had been waiting for, and it felt surreal.
11. The Unexpected Health Hurdles
Just when I thought I was on the right track, I started experiencing severe migraines. It was a daily struggle, and it took a toll on my overall health and well-being.
I remember feeling frustrated and worried, wondering if this would affect my chances of conceiving. After several doctor’s visits and tests, I was diagnosed with celiac disease. It was a shock, but it also explained a lot of my symptoms.
12. Making Lifestyle Changes
In January 2021, I made a significant lifestyle change – I cut out gluten completely. It was challenging, especially since I loved bread and pasta, but I was determined to improve my health.
I started exploring gluten-free recipes and products, and to my surprise, I found many delicious alternatives. One of my favorites was the gluten-free bread from Udi’s. It was soft, tasty, and didn’t taste any different from regular bread.
13. The Medical Support
Throughout my conception journey, I was fortunate to have the support of an excellent medical team. My OBGYN was incredibly understanding and supportive.
She guided me through each step, answered all my questions, and reassured me when I was anxious. I also started seeing a nutritionist who helped me navigate my new gluten-free diet.
She recommended some great supplements, like the Garden of Life Prenatal Multivitamin, which became a staple in my daily routine.
14. The Waiting Game
One of the most challenging parts of the conception journey was the waiting. Waiting to ovulate, waiting to see if I was pregnant, and then waiting for the confirmation.
It was a test of patience, but it also taught me the value of resilience and hope. I remember the day I saw my temperature remain elevated instead of dropping back down. I felt a surge of excitement, but I also tried to keep my expectations in check to avoid disappointment.
15. The Moment of Truth
The day I took the pregnancy test was filled with anticipation. I remember holding the First Response Pregnancy Test in my hand, my heart pounding as I waited for the result. And then, there it was – a positive result! It was a moment of pure joy and relief. All the planning, tracking, and waiting had finally paid off.
16. The Power of Tracking
One of the most empowering aspects of my conception journey was learning to track my ovulation and menstrual cycle. I used the Fertility Friend app, which was a game-changer for me.
It allowed me to log my basal body temperature, cervical fluid, and other symptoms, and it provided insightful charts and predictions about my fertility. I felt more in tune with my body and its rhythms, and it gave me a sense of control during a process that often felt uncertain.
17. The Emotional Support
While the physical aspects of conception are often discussed, the emotional side is just as important. My partner, Michael, was my rock throughout this journey.
From accompanying me to doctor’s appointments to being there for me during my low moments, his support was invaluable. We also found comfort in online communities, where we could share our experiences and learn from others going through the same journey.
18. The Unexpected Early Start
Our original plan was to start trying to conceive in September 2021, but life had other plans. We started trying much earlier, and it was a decision that came with its own set of emotions.
I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, but there was also a sense of readiness. We were stepping into a new chapter of our lives, and we were ready to embrace whatever came our way.
19. The Role of Nutrition
Nutrition played a significant role in my conception journey. After being diagnosed with celiac disease, I had to overhaul my diet. I started incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and gluten-free grains into my meals. I also took the Garden of Life Prenatal Multivitamin, which was recommended by my nutritionist.
It was packed with all the essential nutrients needed for pregnancy, and I felt reassured knowing I was supporting my body in the best way possible.
20. The Joy of Positive Results
The day we found out we were pregnant was a day of pure joy. I remember the anticipation as I took the pregnancy test, the seconds feeling like hours. And then, the two lines appeared, confirming our hopes.
It was a moment of pure joy, relief, and gratitude. Our conception journey had come to a successful end, but a new journey was just beginning.
Conclusion
My conception journey was a profound experience that taught me about patience, resilience, and the incredible capabilities of my body. It was a journey filled with ups and downs, but ultimately, it led to the most beautiful outcome – pregnancy.
I hope my story can provide some comfort, guidance, and inspiration to those embarking on their own conception journey. Remember, every journey is unique, and it’s the lessons we learn along the way that truly shape us.
