There was a time when I thought getting pregnant was easy.
Growing up, we spent so much time trying not to get pregnant that I honestly believed the moment I wanted a baby…it would just happen. Life had other plans.Â
After multiple miscarriages, a PCOS diagnosis, fibroids, surgeries, and years of trying to figure out what my body needed, I learned that trying to conceive (TTC) isn’t the same journey for everyone.
If you’re currently trying to have a baby, I hope these are the things someone tells you sooner rather than later.
1. PCOS Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Have a Baby
When I first heard I had PCOS, I thought my dream of becoming a mom was over. It wasn’t.
PCOS may make getting pregnant more challenging for some women, but many women with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies. Don’t let a diagnosis steal your hope.
2. Find a Doctor Who Actually Listens
If something feels off, keep asking questions.
You deserve a doctor who listens, explains things, and is willing to investigate instead of brushing your concerns aside. Sometimes the right doctor changes everything.
3. There Might Be More Going On Than PCOS
For me, PCOS wasn’t the whole story. I also had fibroids. Later, I discovered I had uterine polyps that needed to be removed.
Sometimes fertility is like putting together a puzzle. PCOS may be one piece, but it isn’t always the only piece.
4. Your Overall Health Matters
My doctors encouraged me to improve my overall health before trying again.
That meant making healthier food choices, staying active, getting enough sleep, and following the treatment plan we created together.
Small changes made consistently can make a big difference over time.
5. Vitamins Aren’t Magic—But They Can Be Helpful
I started taking the vitamins recommended by my healthcare providers.
They weren’t a miracle cure, but they became one part of a much bigger plan to support my health while trying to conceive.
6. Stress Is Real
Trying to conceive can become emotionally exhausting. Every month can feel like a roller coaster.
It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to protect your peace.
7. Stop Comparing Your Journey
One of the hardest lessons I learned was that everyone around me seemed to get pregnant so easily.
Social media doesn’t show the miscarriages. It doesn’t show the doctor’s appointments. It doesn’t show the tears.
Your timeline is yours.
8. Lean on the People Who Love You
There were days when I didn’t think I could keep going. My husband, my family, my faith, and the people who supported me helped carry me through some really dark moments.
Don’t try to do this alone.
9. Celebrate Every Small Win
A good doctor’s appointment.Â
- A healthy lab result.
- A surgery that went well.
- A positive ovulation test.
Not every victory has to be a positive pregnancy test. Celebrate the progress, too.
10. Never Lose Hope
If you’ve followed my story, you know it wasn’t easy.
I’ve experienced multiple miscarriages. I’ve had surgeries. I’ve cried more times than I can count.
Today, I’m blessed to be the mom of two beautiful children. That doesn’t mean everyone’s journey will look like mine. But it does mean that hope is worth holding onto.
If today is hard…Â
If you’re tired…
If you’re frustrated…
Please don’t give up on yourself. Your story isn’t over yet.
Trying to conceive with PCOS taught me more than I ever wanted to know.
It taught me patience. It taught me resilience. It taught me to advocate for myself. Most of all, it taught me that hope can survive even the hardest seasons.
No matter where you are in your fertility journey, I’m cheering you on.
With love,
– Yoni Mack