Pregnancy tests
Is there anything more anxiety-inducing than staring at a pregnancy test, waiting for the moment it’ll display your results? How about opening your medicine cabinet to see a row of pregnancy tests staring back at you, waiting to be peed on?
Try not to put too much pressure on yourself as you’re taking these tests; you can even make it a fun experience. Put on some music, or play a game on your phone while you’re waiting to check. Maybe you’ll get some amazing news, or maybe you’ll get the opportunity to try again. No matter what, don’t let the test stress you out – that little stick is a tool, not your enemy!
Healthcare provider appointments
Many women have negative feelings about visits with their healthcare provider. Maybe it’s because you hated getting shots as a kid, maybe it’s because of hospital dramas on TV, or maybe it’s because you feel like your healthcare provider gives you the side-eye sometimes.
Whatever it is, there’s often a little bit of nervous energy buzzing around every waiting room. Remember, your healthcare provider is there to make sure you’re doing well and feeling comfortable, so if you have questions or concerns, bring them up! Your provider will be happy to address them all.
One way to reduce the stress of all of the appointments is to sit down beforehand and make a list of the things you want to discuss or ask. You’ll feel more prepared, and won’t feel as pressured to ask all the right questions in the moment.
Friends and family
They mean well…they really do. But the constant advice and questions and comments can get to be a little much. Nope, I’m not pregnant yet. Yes, we’ve tried that position. No, I didn’t know that seaweed boosts your fertility; I’ll have to go pull some out of the lake…
Try gently telling your family and friends that while you appreciate their curiosity, they’ll be the first to know if you have news to share or advice to seek. Also, feel free to let them know the kinds of things they can do to actually support you on your journey, like helping you relax or running interference when others get too nosey.
Worrying about your future children’s health
It’s likely that you haven’t given your chances of passing on a genetic disease much consideration before reading this sentence. However, thinking about this now, while you’re still TTC, might put you ahead of the curve.
Even if your family doesn’t have a history of genetic disorders, you could still be at risk of having a child with a genetic disease. It’s a worrisome thought, but our partners at Recombine have a simple test called CarrierMap which may help bring you some peace of mind.
CarrierMap analyzes your DNA to determine your risk of passing on over 300 genetic diseases. If there’s no increased risk, there’s less worry, and no matter your results, Recombine’s genetic counselors are available (at no cost) to help guide and inform you.
If CarrierMap indicates that you’re at an increased risk of having an affected child, one option you have is preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD. PGD involves genetic embryo screening alongside IVF to help improve your chances of having a healthy child before you’re even pregnant. In many cases, Recombine will help you cover the cost of this test.
It all starts by requesting more information about CarrierMap and having a conversation with your healthcare provider about genetic screening. It’s one less thing to feel stressed about.
Learn more about CarrierMap
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