It’s the first of the month pregnancy journey time

Hey ladies! Following up on my journey to hopefully welcome a little snowball baby soon. It’s so exciting (and a little nerve-wracking!) to be on this path, especially when you’re constantly wondering if every little twinge or change could be an early sign of pregnancy. Since many of you are on a similar trying-to-conceive (TTC) journey, I wanted to share a bit more about what I’ve learned regarding those elusive pregnancy signs and symptoms that we all look out for. For me, managing my health with PCOS and diabetes is a huge part of this, and sometimes it can make things a bit confusing. For example, irregular cycles with PCOS can make it tricky to pinpoint ovulation, which in turn makes it harder to know when a missed period might actually be a sign. But generally, some of the most common early signs I'm keeping an eye out for (and I bet you are too!) include: Missed Period: This is usually the first big red flag, right? But as I mentioned, with PCOS, it’s not always straightforward. This is why tracking everything – my cycle, my moods, even when I take my collagen and ashwagandha – has become my new obsession! Tender, Swollen Breasts: I've heard so many women talk about this. Apparently, hormonal changes can make your breasts feel sensitive or heavier than usual. Nausea (Morning Sickness): Not just in the morning! This can hit any time of day or night. Fingers crossed I won't have it too bad, but I know it's a common one. Increased Urination: Having to pee more often than usual, especially overnight. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, even after a good night's sleep. This one can be tricky because frankly, my life is already tiring! But I'm listening to my body more closely. Light Spotting or Cramping (Implantation Bleeding): This can happen when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. It’s usually lighter than a regular period. Food Aversions or Cravings: Suddenly can’t stand your favorite coffee, or desperately crave pickles and ice cream! Mood Swings: Hormones can really mess with your emotions, making you feel more irritable or teary than usual. It's easy to symptom-spot when you're trying to conceive, and every little change feels significant. What helps me stay grounded is remembering that many of these early signs can also be pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS), or even just general stress. That’s why it’s so important to not jump to conclusions too quickly, and to focus on preparing your body as best you can. Taking my Geritol liquid supplement and keeping up with my weight control efforts through exercise and diet are all part of making sure my body is a welcoming home for a baby. When should you take a test? Most doctors recommend waiting until after you've missed your period for the most accurate results. Home pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG, which only starts to build up after implantation. Testing too early can lead to a false negative, which can be really disheartening. So, I’m trying my best to be patient – easier said than done, right?! Remember, every journey is unique. While I'm sharing my experience and the supplements I'm using, always chat with your doctor about what's right for you, especially if you have conditions like PCOS or diabetes. Wishing all you amazing girlies the very best on your own paths to motherhood. We've got this!