There are so many things I wish I knew before trying to get pregnant, but the biggest thing I wish I knew was that conceiving can be the hardest part of a parenting journey. My battle to have a baby ended up lasting almost 3 years.

I wish someone warned me that infertility is a thing, and it could be our thing. I wish I knew that 1 in 8 couples struggle to get pregnant.

When I found that we were one of those couples, I couldn’t help but think, no way, not me, not us. There’s a period of denial, but then the reality hits. Each month that passes without your hopes being fulfilled is another weight added to your shoulders. And that weight of the wait feels unbearable.

If you (or someone you know) is going through this like I did, Healthline Parenthood wants you to know that the infertility journey doesn’t have to be a solo ride. We hope all the articles in our collection, The Real First Trymester, will help people dealing with infertility feel supported and empowered to share their stories as well as help them find their village.

Jamie Webber
Editorial Director, Healthline Parenthood