Struggling to get pregnant? Tips to prepare for IVF

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Introduction: Our “awaiting the stork” saga

My husband and I spent years awaiting the stork—navigating multiple IVF fertility clinics, enduring emotional ups and downs, and basically becoming best friends with Google searches like “best way to get pregnant” or “trying to get pregnant tips.” We were truly struggling to get pregnant, and at times it felt like our dream would remain just that—a dream.

Some days, our faith was the only thread keeping us grounded. We prayed for guidance, comfort, and hope, especially during the lowest points. Then, we found an amazing doctor, who blended science with compassion, and helped us feel like we finally had a fighting chance.

Here’s a friendly, supportive guide to help you through your IVF journey.

1. Understanding the IVF process

IVF 101
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and transferring a resulting embryo back into the uterus. Sounds sci-fi, right? But it’s a medical marvel that has given hope to countless couples who are struggling to get pregnant.

Ovarian stimulation: You’ll likely take medications to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Egg retrieval: A (thankfully short) procedure under sedation to collect mature eggs.
Fertilization: The eggs are combined with sperm in a lab dish.
Embryo transfer: If fertilization goes well, one or more embryos are transferred to your uterus in hopes they implant.

Think of IVF as the “best way to get pregnant” scientifically—though obviously, nothing is guaranteed. Still, the success rates keep improving!

How prayer helped
During each step—especially before egg retrieval—I prayed for calm and clarity. My husband and I asked for the best possible outcome but also for the strength to handle whatever happened next. Prayer became our emotional safety net.

2. Managing your medications (save time & money)

Medication Organization
You’ll be juggling lots of meds—oral pills, injections, patches, oh my! A pill organizer can be a lifesaver. Check out the AUVON Weekly Pill Organizer for a sturdy, easy-to-label system. Keeping everything sorted by day and time helps ensure you never miss a dose.

Pro Tip: Ask your clinic or pharmacy about discount programs, generics, and specialty fertility pharmacies that might reduce medication costs. It’s like clipping coupons, but for fertility meds!

3. Items you should have on hand for comfort & convenience

Heating pad or warm compress: A heating pad can soothe tender spots after injections. Try something like the My Heating Pad Microwavable.
Alcohol swabs & sterile bandages: Keep a stockpile because you’ll be jabbing yourself a lot. (Don’t worry, you get used to it… eventually!)
Injection comfort tools: If injections freak you out, consider Buzzy Bee Injection Pain Relief. It uses vibration and cold to distract from the needle poke.

These items help you create a mini “IVF station” at home, so you’re not rummaging through drawers at injection o’clock.

4. Stress-reduction & self-care ideas

De-stressing is essential to keep your sanity (and your relationship) intact during IVF. A few of my favorites:

Adult coloring books: No shame—coloring can be insanely relaxing. Something like Johanna Basford’s Enchanted Forest might do the trick.
Aromatherapy: A calming Oil Diffuser with Essential Oils can make your space smell like a spa—even if you’re actually surrounded by syringes.
Meditation & mindfulness apps: Download a few guided meditations or yoga classes on YouTube. A quick 10-minute session can reset a frazzled mind.

Pro tip: Try to pencil in small acts of self-care daily. Even a 5-minute break can help you refocus.

5. Making a plan to communicate with family & friends

You may have well-intentioned relatives asking, “So, any pregnancy news?” on the regular. Here’s what helped us:

Set boundaries: If the endless questions heighten your stress, politely say you’ll share updates when you’re ready.
Designate a spokesperson: Have one family member or friend who can relay any official updates to the rest of the crowd, so you’re not fielding repeated messages.
Keep It real: Some days are rough. If you feel comfortable, share the highs and lows. If not, it’s totally okay to keep details private.

Remember, you get to choose 'how much' you share and with whom—it’s your body and your journey.

6. Connecting with your spouse

It’s easy for romance to turn into a fertility scheduling spreadsheet. Here’s how we stayed close:

Date nights: Schedule them like doctor appointments.
Tag-team shots: My husband did some injections (a real trust exercise).
Praying together: We prayed not just for success, but also for patience and unity. Sharing that spiritual connection strengthened our bond.

Sometimes, the best way to get pregnant—physically and emotionally—is staying in sync as partners.

7. Grieving & processing a failed cycle

No sugar-coating here: A failed cycle can feel devastating. We had a few before finding success with Dr. Coffler, and each time, it broke our hearts. Here’s what might help:

Allow yourself to grieve: Cry it out, journal, talk to a counselor—whatever helps you process.
Lean on your support system: Friends, family, therapist—whoever you trust, talk it out. Sometimes just hearing someone say, “I’m here for you,” is enough.
Seek spiritual support: We prayed for understanding and healing. Even when we didn’t get the answers we wanted, leaning on faith brought comfort.
Take a break if needed: If you need a month (or three) off, do it. You’re allowed to pause.

8. Questions to ask your doctor after a failed cycle

What went wrong or could have gone differently?
Are there additional tests or procedures we should consider before trying again?
Should we adjust medication protocols next time?
Is there a benefit to genetic testing of embryos?
How do we optimize our lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, stress reduction) for a better outcome?

Knowledge is power, and feeling equipped can help you handle the next steps. Also, talk about any spiritual or emotional support you might need. A good doctor will address the whole you.

9. Celebrating an IVF pregnancy

Yes, eventually, you might finally get that big, bright positive! When it happens, celebrate every milestone—first heartbeat, first ultrasound, the moment you can’t button your jeans anymore (that baby bump is earned, mama!).

Mark milestones: First heartbeat, first ultrasound, first time you can't zip your jeans.
Honor the journey: Some couples keep IVF mementos—medication vials, appointment cards—in a memory box.
Share the news on your terms: Whether you shout it from the rooftops or keep it quiet ‘til the second trimester, do what feels right to you.
Give thanks: If prayer is part of your life, take a moment to express gratitude—whether through a special ceremony, journaling, or a simple “thank you” each morning.

10. Moving forward after IVF

If you’re successful: Congrats! Embrace that parenting adventure with open arms (and a well-stocked diaper bag).
If you’re still trying: You are not alone. Don’t lose hope, and seek support networks—online forums, local fertility groups, or counseling.
If you choose a different path: Adoption, surrogacy, living child-free—there’s no single “right” path for every family. Your worth and your happiness aren’t dictated by pregnancy alone. Praying for guidance can help you discern your next step.

Final words of encouragement

If you’re reading this, you’re probably prepping for IVF—or supporting someone who is. Know this: You are not alone. My husband and I have been there—heartbroken, frustrated, but never truly giving up. Our faith and prayers carried us through the worst days and amplified our joy during the best ones.

No matter where you are on this journey—struggling to get pregnant, or deep into retrieval and transfers—keep talking to your doctor, keep your relationship strong, and if it resonates with you, keep praying or seeking spiritual support. Because sometimes, the greatest comfort is knowing there’s something bigger than us at work.

Stay hopeful, stay informed, and stay you.

With love, prayers, and lots of empathy,

Mindy

The content on Awaiting the Stork™ is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare professional to address your unique health needs and circumstances.