I'm Pregnant.

Update: 2025-06-04

Digest

Marie Lewelle's podcast details her two-year struggle with infertility, culminating in a successful IVF pregnancy. She candidly shares the emotional rollercoaster, from the initial disbelief and anxiety after a positive pregnancy test to the devastating fear of miscarriage due to low HCG levels. The podcast chronicles the embryo transfer, the agonizing two-week waits, and the relief of subsequent ultrasounds confirming a healthy heartbeat. She discusses her self-care practices, modified exercise routine (weightlifting and walking), and nutritional choices throughout her pregnancy. Marie offers valuable advice to others undergoing IVF, emphasizing the importance of seeking support, prioritizing well-being, and allowing oneself to grieve potential losses.

Outlines

00:00:00

Infertility Journey, IVF, and Pregnancy Announcement

Marie announces her pregnancy after a two-year infertility journey involving IVF, sharing her excitement and anxieties while detailing the emotional toll of previous losses and the initial fears surrounding this pregnancy.

00:00:37

IVF Process, Two-Week Wait, and Initial Positive Test

A detailed account of the embryo transfer, the subsequent two-week wait filled with anxiety, the initial positive pregnancy test, and the rollercoaster of emotions following low HCG levels and concerns about miscarriage.

00:02:21

Managing Pregnancy Anxiety and Ultrasound Confirmation

Marie describes the ongoing anxiety during subsequent blood tests and the fluctuating HCG levels. She shares the relief and joy of ultrasounds confirming a healthy heartbeat and fetal development, marking the transition from IVF care to regular OBGYN care. She also discusses her approach to pregnancy symptoms, exercise, and nutrition.

Keywords

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Assisted reproductive technology involving egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilization, and embryo transfer; often used to treat infertility.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

Hormone produced during pregnancy; low levels can indicate potential complications.

Infertility

Inability to conceive after a year of unprotected sex; can have various causes.

Miscarriage

Spontaneous loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks; a common and emotionally devastating experience.

Embryo Transfer

Procedure in IVF where the fertilized egg is placed into the uterus; a crucial step with varying success rates.

Pregnancy Anxiety

Emotional distress and worry experienced during pregnancy, often related to potential complications.

IVF Success

Achieving a successful pregnancy through in-vitro fertilization.

Pregnancy Symptoms

Physical changes and sensations experienced during pregnancy.

Q&A

What were the most challenging aspects of your IVF journey?
The emotional toll of repeated negative tests and potential losses, coupled with constant anxiety and uncertainty.
How did you manage the anxiety during the two-week wait periods?
Marie focused on self-care (acupuncture), avoided home pregnancy tests, and leaned on her support system.
What advice would you give to others going through IVF?
Seek support, prioritize well-being, be patient and persistent, grieve potential losses, and trust your medical team while doing your own research.
How has your approach to exercise and nutrition changed during pregnancy?
She started slowly with walking, gradually incorporated weightlifting (excluding core work), eats more frequently, focusing on protein, and follows a conservative approach informed by research and personal comfort.

Show Notes

Ep. 187: I’ve been holding onto this news for what feels like forever, and I’m finally ready to share—I’m pregnant. In this solo episode, I’m walking you through how I found out, the emotional whirlwind that followed, and what it’s been like living with a 1% chance of success. From the embryo transfer to the first ultrasounds, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the journey so far, including what I’ve been doing to stay grounded through it all. If you’re going through something uncertain or hoping for your own miracle, I hope this conversation makes you feel a little less alone.

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