Note: This post is very personal, and may edge into the TMI (too much information) category for some of you. You’ve been warned.
Some of you may have noticed that my last blog post was written in October. And since that time, I also haven’t been very active on my Easy Paleo Facebook page. A lot has been going on! Actually, one very, very LITTLE person has been throwing a kink into everything. That’s right, I’m pregnant!
This shot was taken in late December… I was already starting to show!
Death and Life…
We found out in late October. It had been a very difficult month… my husband’s aunt, one of our most treasured relatives, had been fighting pancreatic cancer for quite a while, and everything really deteriorated during the month of October. It was incredibly hard to watch her slowly slip away from us. On October 28th, she passed away at only 43 years old. We were, and are, utterly devastated.
On the day of her funeral, we discovered that we were pregnant. It was a huge shock, and here’s why…
Infertility?
My husband and I have been married for nine years. About two years into our marriage, we decided that it was time to have kids. I stopped my birth control pills, and I fully expected to have a growing baby in my stomach by the following month. It didn’t happen. Those of you who have experienced infertility understand the emotional pain we suffered over the next year or two. It seemed that everyone around us was getting pregnant and having babies, but for some reason we weren’t.
My husband and I both went to have things checked out by a doctor, and we were told that nothing was “wrong.” We were told, however, that I was not ovulating regularly, and the words “polycystic ovarian syndrome” were tossed around. I had no idea what that meant, and I didn’t really care to find out. The doctors said that we would probably require some fertility treatments in order to conceive, and, at that point, we were in no financial position to consider that option (or adoption).
After stopping my birth control pills, it became clear that my menstrual cycle was not going to come on its own. My doctor suggested that I call her office for medication to force a start every three months, so that’s what I did. It was really frustrating to know that my body was not functioning as it should. Since we would have still loved for pregnancy to occur on it’s own, we haven’t used any form of birth control in the last seven years.
Life Goes On…
Since all hope seemed lost, I prayed that God would take the desire for children away from me until it was time… the emotional suffering had to stop. And miraculously, it did. In the years that have passed since that time, I’ve been very content with my life. I have an amazing husband, and we have grown in so many ways. We have fallen more deeply in love, and we’ve had so many adventures together! Looking back now, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Having nine years of marriage alone together has been pretty amazing. And, to be honest, I decided during that time that I would be perfectly okay if we never had kids. I even thought a few times that I might be really sad if I found out I was pregnant. Life was good!
Back in July, 2011, we started eating Paleo-style. After our initial 30 days, we noticed changes in physique, skin clarity, energy, sleep quality, and mood. But after about a year, something really exciting happened… my period began coming on it’s own! It still wasn’t coming every single month, but I didn’t have to call for medication again after that. Eventually, it would show up, and it was always before that 3-month mark. I was thrilled… it seemed that whatever problems had been preventing a regular cycle were disappearing. I was excited to be healthier than I’d ever been, but the possibility of pregnancy was VERY far from my mind.
Shock and Awe…
At the end of October, I was pretty disappointed that it looked like I’d have to call in for medication like I used to. It had been over three months since my last cycle, and though I had been having PMS symptoms for several weeks, nothing was happening. As I had done so many times in the past, I took the routine pregnancy test before calling in for meds (this is required… just to be sure). You can imagine my shock when I looked at the test and saw two pink lines staring back at me.
We went to see my doctor the next day, and learned that I was five weeks pregnant. We were, and are, completely ecstatic. Any chance of being disappointed by pregnancy flew out the window when I saw that little baby on the sonogram screen. I could do nothing but sit there and weep for joy.
“Morning Sickness…”
I’m now 17 weeks pregnant… finally in the 2nd trimester. At about 7 weeks, morning sickness reared it’s ugly head in the form of all-day nausea (who named it “morning sickness,” anyway?). Now you understand why I haven’t been very active on my FOOD blog, or my FOOD Facebook page… because FOOD has been the absolute last thing I’ve wanted to think about.
Let me explain something here… unless you have been pregnant before, you have no idea how horrible morning sickness can be. I assure you, I had no idea. My idea of “morning sickness” was having a little upset stomach upon waking up in the morning. This was not my experience. There were no foods that sounded good, looked good, or tasted good to me. Any random smell (even those that I usually enjoy) could set off a gagging fit. It was impossible for me to shop for groceries because seeing all that food would send me running, and gagging, back to the car (true story… and quite an embarrassing one!). After just a few bites of whatever I had FINALLY decided to eat at a given meal, I would feel full and nauseous. It was absolutely miserable. Add sheer exhaustion to the equation, and you have a formula for one very uncomfortable pregnant lady. Don’t get me wrong, I’m incredibly grateful for this growing baby… but pregnancy is no joke. (If you’ve experienced food aversions during pregnancy, you should check out this post from Whole9. It helped me immensely!)
During this time, we also moved out of state and traveled a lot to spend the holidays with our families. Things have been a little insane.
I’m Alive Again!
Morning sickness ended promptly at 15 weeks, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my food over the last two weeks. It’s pretty amazing to “like” eating, so don’t take it for granted! I know I won’t from now on!
Now that food is back in the “enjoyable” category of my life, I’m back to blogging! And I’m looking forward to sharing a few of my “paleo pregnancy” experiences in the days ahead as well. In fact, in my next post I plan to share some of the other changes we made in the months just before we conceived. I’m not sure how many of them are directly related to the fact that we actually did conceive, but I think they’re worth mentioning. Stay tuned!
PS: Our baby is due to arrive around the 4th of July. :)
Congratulations! I totally understand where you’re at… I’m 18wks pregnant myself and that first trimester was pretty rough. So happy for you and your husband! What a wonderful surprise blessing!
Thank you! And congrats to you!! (PS: I know you from “pregnancy the Paleo way!”)
-Jennie
Wonderful!!!
Hurrary for you!! How very exciting!! I wish you all the very best! Make way for Paleo Baby!!
Congratulations!! I have two kids and know the agony of “morning” sickness that can last for months. I hope that you enjoy a wonderfully healthy pregnancy and a beautiful, healthy baby.
I’m sorry for the loss of your aunt, that sounds like a painful loss. But in the next breath, congratulations on your baby!!! And I get you on the ‘morning’ sickness; my pregnancy was in my pre-paleo days (oh if I only knew then what I know now!) and there was very little I could stomach and a LOT that was disgusting to me. Glad your feeling better!
Thank you, Marni!
Congratulations!! I kinda thought that might be the reason we haven’t seen much from you lately!
Really? Haha! Good guess! Thank you, Lisa.
-Jennie
I just wanted to stop by and wish you the warmest of congratulations! What an amazing time in your lives – yay babies are just sssssoooooo wonderful you will be in awe when your little one arrives!
My husband and myself basically went through what you and your husband did step for step (re fertility)……it took us 6 years before we conceived our first little baby, he is nearly 8 and then another 4 before our little girl came along.
I too have PSO, irregular periods etc etc – we also spent an amazing 10 years together before our babies decided it was time to enter this world!
Anyway……enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and enjoy your little bundle when he/she arrives!
Hugs to you all
Nicola xox
Wow… I’m continually surprised by how many women have such a similar story! So happy to hear about your success. Thank you for your kind comment!
-Jennie
This post brought me to tears. Not just the overall (wonderful) news, but the journey you’ve had with your husband as well. I’m so happy for you, Jennie!
Thank you, Liz. You are so super sweet. Hope to see you again in the future.
-Jennie
Congratulations!! Awesome News! I wish I had known The Paleo Way.. way back then.. Infertility sucks!
So glad you are feeling better, I can only imagine those symptons!
Congratulations!!
CONGRATULATIONS! My husband and I tried for 3 years to have a baby. We gave up for 2 YEARS…and one day I was feeling sick and randomly found an (expired) pregnancy test. I took it, and I was pregnant. Went to the dr. and I was 15 weeks along. Quite a shock, so I know how you feel. We had given up-weren’t even talking about adoption anymore. Now I just had our 3rd little baby and life is awesome.
I’m so happy for you =D
A very similar story! Isn’t that such a fun shock?? Congratulations on your wonderful story. I’m thrilled for you.
-Jennie
Congratulations!! I am actually 25 weeks pregnant myself. I struggled so much with eating, let alone healthy eating till about 17 weeks. I would love to hear how you survived it? I found myself unable to cook, due to the smells and such so we resorted to eating out a lot, which was not how I wanted things to go especially during the first 12 weeks when so much of that little baby is forming. I would love to hear if you know of any good suggestions to survive morning sickness still trying to eat paleo/healthy! Thanks for all you do! Loved this news. Bringing a new life into this world is so wonderful. Good luck with the rest of the pregnancy!
Thank you, Kamber! I’m planning to do a post soon about how I made it through my morning sickness. I was also completely unable to cook, so my husband did the best he could, and we ate out alot too. I really struggled with guilt that I wasn’t eating as clean as I normally would, especially during such a crucial time. But I did stay 100% gluten-free, and that is what I consider to be most important. I eventually felt better about my choices because eating SOMETHING is better than not eating anything, and that was my only other options. I did alot of white potatoes and white rice, tons of fruit smoothies and applesauce, and not a ton of protein. Look for my post in the next few weeks for a more detailed response.
I wish you the best!
-Jennie
I will say prayers for you to handle the grieving of your Aunt! What a difficult time! We had similar problems conceiving and were married for eight years before we had our first baby. My husband and I enjoyed that time of our lives too. So glad you were healed by eating paleo! Now a new adventure begins! I look forward to hearing more!
Thank you so much, Lisa. We really appreciate that.
It’s crazy to read how many women have experienced similar circumstances. I’m so happy to hear that you have a success story as well!
-Jennie
Congratulations! I was diagnosed with PCOS when we first tried. That was when South Beach Diet was big and I knew I needed to get my insulin stabilized (I have always been normal weight) and that got my cycles regulated but I added metformin for a few months before becoming pregnant (metformin was my fertility drug for both pregnancies). I wonder now if a paleo diet would have been a complete solution. Please note, my second attempt took almost no time at all so your PCO may not prevent future pregnancies, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Thanks Suzanne! I’m so happy to hear your success stories! I’m definitely hoping to pop out two or three more now that “the machine is cranked.” haha!
-Jennie
Congratulations!!
I went through the same thing as you. I stopped birth control in March and haven’t gotten my period on my own since then. I was given Clomid to force myself to ovulate but I still didn’t get pregnant. In November, I started seeing a fertility specialist and I was diagnosed with PCOS. We’re still trying but haven’t had much luck. I had my first IUI last Saturday and we’re waiting to get the results next week. Still trying…. Your story helped provide a light at the end of the tunnel for us. Congratulations and enjoy every minute!
We spent two years doing fertility treatments. . . our 5th IUI (with injections) worked and we are 7 weeks along with TRIPLETS. That said, I’ve been Paleo for 9 months now and I really, truly believe that was the turning point for us! We conceived the first time in this journey a few months after going paleo, unfortunately, we lost that one very early. Six months later we have our success story underway! Hang in there! Keep eating well. I know that during the stress of treatments, cravings and emotional eating can hit hard. Try to stay away from the sweets (even paleo-fied) as they will affect your insulin levels and ultimately your ovulation. Also, watch your lining close. . . clomid thinned mine out which was likely why we didn’t stay pregnant. Once we switched of clomid, I had a beautiful, lush lining and obviously it was a comfy landing spot! Best of luck to you!
Wow! Triplets… that’s wonderful! I’m a twin, and it’s so much fun… I can only imagine the fun of triplets! I wish you the best.
-Jennie
Thanks Jamie. I just got my period last night so this round didn’t work for us. Of course I’m super disappointed. I’m headed back to the doctor tomorrow to find out what our next step is.
I did Paleo before this whole journey started so I started up again with it seriously on Monday. So many people have said that it was a turning point for them so I hope it is for us as well.
Congratulations on your triplets!!! That’s amazing!!!
I hope you get some positive results! Don’t give up hope… sometimes it takes more time than we wish. Glad I could provide some encouragement.
-Jennie
Congratulations! What a blessing.
Congratulations! It’s amazing what our bodies can do when we are putting the right foods into them. Looking forward to having more posts from you.
Congrats on being pregnant! I had all day morning sickness with all of my pregnancies… No fun for like 6-8 weeks then all of a sudden I felt good again and I could not stop eating!! But your in the fun stages now… Enjoy feeling good!! What a blessing!!
My MIL has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer .. I’m so sorry to hear about you dh’s aunt. She was so young! May I ask how old she was when she was diagnosed?
Blessings!!!
It’s really amazing how the switch just flips and you suddenly feel like you’re alive again! I’m very grateful that that stage is over.
So sorry to hear about your MIL. My aunt was diagnosed about 17 months before she passed away. She actually saw remission within the first year, but the chemo and radiation destroyed her digestive system and weakened her so much. When the cancer came back on her liver, she was too fragile to fight it. I pray that your MIL will experience complete healing.
-Jennie
Wonderful news and god bless
My sister passed away August 20, 2011 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 59. We are devastated by her loss. Pancreatic cancer only has a 6% five year survival rate. Such a horrible disease. I’m so sorry your young aunt was taken by this disease. God gives back with the life of your new baby
Cheryl, I’m so sorry about your sister. Yes, it is a horrible, horrible disease. We miss her so much, but we’re also grateful for the peace that’s come through this little miracle. Thank you so much for your comment.
-Jennie
Congratulations! Raising your child will be the most rewarding thing you will ever do with your life.
Our daughter was born via the miracle of IVF as my wife has endometriosis. That was 10 years ago. We tried to provide a sibling by natural means, but of course it was not to be.
Two years ago, we started eating paleo, and we’re now expecting a son in May. BTW, I’m 72.
That is fantastic!! What an awesome story!! Congratulations on both your children.
-Jennie
Congratulations! Our stories are very similar. I went off my birth control when we first got married and had no luck conceiving. I to was having irregular periods. I was told I might have PCOS (they could not diagnose me because all my blood work was normal). We saw an infertility specialist and did a couple treatments. We decided that God did not want us to have kids yet so we gave up. It took 8 years to have our son, and my daughter shortly after. They are 18 months apart. I still struggled with having infrequent to no periods for another 8 years. I had finally decided in june 2011 that I was going to have a hysterectomy because I was tired of no diagnosis or treatments and that I had had enough of my body. Then I started the Paleo lifestyle in July 2011 and right away had my periods back. I did not have the hysterectomy. I feel so much better with our Paleo lifestyle! I wish I had it back then!
Wow, Kristy. I’ve been quite surprised to hear how many people have similar stories. Congratulations on your son and daughter! And I’m thrilled that you avoided a hysterectomy due to Paleo! You have quite a success story. Very happy for you.
-Jennie
What wonderful news! Thank you for sharing, and so glad you are feeling well again. Your last blog post about the egg-free breakfast ideas has continued to be very helpful to me and several other people I’ve shared it with in the last few months, who also needed egg-free ideas. Looking forward to reading your new posts, but ONLY when and if you feel up to it! Take care, congratulations, and best wishes to you and your husband. Blessings!
I’m so glad that it’s been helpful!! And thank you for you comment (“only if you feel up to it”). I’m trying to have some grace on myself and not push myself… it’s not easy!
-Jennie
What a beautiful and touching post. Congratulations on your pregnancy – God’s timing is always perfect
Yes, it is! Thanks Ronda.
-Jennie
Congratulations on your growing miracle! I’m the proud momma of 3 children, and I will offer you this… Cherish every second, if you can be with your child all the time, DO IT! My oldest is going to be driving in a year, and all but 3 years, I have been a stay at home or work from home mom… It’s still not enough time! As far as “morning sickness” is concerned, yeah, that’s by far the dumbest name EVER; I had it for 7 mos all day every day with my daughter, my youngest, and there were times, when all I could eat was home made rice krispy treats… PANS OF THEM, 3 or 4 a day!!!! LOL, So, we all get it, and you have our sympathies… When you hold that little miracle for the first time, you’ll be so happy you threw your guts up, they’re so worth it! And they say the sicker you are, the healthier the baby is… So you my dear, have a healthy little child growing in your womb! Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy, listen to your body, no matter how insignificant it may seem! I promise you, you know better than any doctor!! Much love and prayers to you and your growing family!
Heidi, I absolutely LOVE your comment. My mom was a stay-at-home mom, and I have so many wonderful memories because of her sacrifice. I am a huge advocate of SAHM’s, and I’m so looking forward to being one myself!
7 months of sickness? Oh, you poor thing!! I have heard that remark (the sicker you are, the healthier the baby will be), and it definitely helped me get through many horrible hours.
Blessings to you!
-Jennie
What a wonderful post! Congratulations! I too had horrible morning sickness with all three of my kids. I soooo feel your pain. But there is an upside! I knew that giving birth could never be as awful as morning sickness and it would never last as long. Well, all three deliveries were easy and quick compared to 17 weeks of puking out my guts! And the best part…you get a really good prize at the end!
Hahaha! That made me laugh! Thanks, Renee.
-Jennie
Jennie,
How exciting is this?! What a blessing and answer to prayer. I have kept the requests you previously shared with me in a prayer journal, and continued to lift you up. Now I need to make some modifications to this list.
You have been such a blessing and encouragement in my life, and the lives of so many others. I am thrilled to see that you are back sharing your message of health, wellness, and real food nutrition with us. Welcome back, my Friend!
Thank you, sweet friend!! Your comment means so much to me. Hope to catch up with you again soon.
Love,
Jennie
Thanks so much for sharing this! I’ve been eating pale for about 3 months and been struggling with infertility for over a year and a half. Loved reading your inspiring story and sweet words. Lots of joy to both of you!
Thank you! Don’t lose hope!
-Jennie
Congratulations Jennie!
I can so sympathize with the morning sickness, it is the pits. I was sick with both of mine for the first two trimesters, day and night. So happy yours didn’t last that long.
Parenthood is so worth it despite the little inconviences we got through to get there. Ours are now 19 and 22 both in college one almost done and the other just starting. I wouldn’t trade any of it, not for anything
God bless you and I pray that your little one will be here safe and sound.
What a sweet comment. Thank you so much!
-Jennie
I’m pregnant too – due July 11th!! Your morning sickness experiences were almost exactly like mine were!! So happy for you and your husband!! Although this isn’t my first child, it’s my first since going paleo a year and a half ago.
Thanks Erica! Hope you’re feeling alot better now too… congrats on your baby! I guess we’ll be delivering around the same time… oh boy!
-Jennie
Absolutely, congratulations. I’m so happy for you.
My sister had severe PCOS for 18 years which cause major weight gain and hormone imbalance. She eventually had gastric bypass and lost well over 100lbs. She got her first real period the day after her surgery and every month for a year afterward. Almost a year to the date of her surgery and 18 years after they got married and were told they wouldn’t have kids, she found out she was pregnant! Liam is three and a half and we are still totally amazed!
Wow! That’s amazing! Thanks for your comment… totally awesome.
-Jennie
Brought tears to my eyes! So thrilled for you. Congrats on your paleo baby:))
That is sweet! Thank you, Corie!
-Jennie
Love this post, Jennie! Can’t wait to see what things you changed about your diet before you got pregnant!
What a blessing to find new life in the midst of such a tragedy.
xoxo
Thanks Maeve! Definitely an incredible blessing and a miracle.
-Jennie
Congrats! How wonderful! Good luck with the rest of the pregnancy. I’m getting married this year and we plan to start trying for children relatively soon after marriage. I’m afraid of having similar irregularity/infertility issues, but I’m hoping that eating Paleo will help. Now if I could just learn to reduce my stress and sleep more.
P.S. How was the move to Charleston? Did you ever finish that post you were working on?
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the kind words, and congratulations on your upcoming marriage! That’s wonderful.
The move to Charleston has been wonderful. I have not yet finished that post… I started it before we moved, and before “morning sickness” kicked in. After we got here, I was too sick and exhausted to be able to explore much at all. Now that I’m feeling so much better, I’ve started going back to that post. We’ll see when I actually finish it! haha!
-Jennie
EEEEK! Still so happy for you two! I always have this incredibly creepy smile on my face as I read your posts.
And I get excited when I receive an email that you updated. 
Thanks for keeping us involved in the adventure!
<3
HAHA! Deanna, I cracked up when I read that second sentence. HAHA! Thanks for caring about our adventure. Hope to see you again soon!
-Jennie
Jennie. You are so walking in your ANOINTING …I so love you and Dustin. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I love reading your posts!! Dear Lord. Bless this amazing COUPLE for they love and serve you sweet Jesus with their whole hearts … Bless this child to live it’z days worshipping YOU!!! Jennie may the peace of Christ be with the two of you during this blessed PREGNANCY !!! Lively Lorna
T.
Thanks Lorna!!
-Jennie
I just found your site tonight. I read Wheat Belly and Free the Animal in December 2012, and have given up all grains (some unintentional ones may have slipped in) for the last month and am looking at the Paleo lifestyle. I just finished Good Calories, Bad Calories and Why We are Fat both by Gary Taubes; also watched FatHead by Tom Naughton. I am reading Robb Wolf’s book now. Am learning alot and wish I had stumbled upon this decades ago, but it is never too late, correct? I am 50 now.
Oh and after reading this last blog you wrote, I am so encouraged and very, very excited for you! I have two teenagers and they are truly blessings from God. God Bless you Jennie!
That’s awesome, Denise! And no… it is NEVER too late.
Thanks for the kind words, and welcome to my blog.
-Jennie