Trigger warning: this article contains personal details of pregnancy loss.

The first time, they called it a “chemical.” A chemical? I had a positive pregnancy test, which for me was so much more than just that — I had calculated the expected due date, wondered the baby’s gender, even added a few more names to the ever-growing list on my phone’s notepad. It was hard moving forward, but we did. We always did. 

As someone who has navigated years of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, and as a therapist helping others through similar struggles, I understand the overwhelming impact it can have on your life.