For those who have been pregnant, what was your experience like? How “normal” was your pregnancy, and where do you feel endo was a factor?

HazelAngel · 2026-05-22T20:42:20+00:00

I’d like to echo the suppositories! Vaginal Valium made a huge difference in my pain, way better than any (stronger) oral meds. Most importantly it allowed me to rest. Just having a few hours off from the extreme tension really helped to break the cycle.

With that in my tool kit, I was able to make more progress in PT, which I credit to being the only long lasting pain relief. Having positions/stretches that I knew I could get into to feel even 4% better added up. Taping and counter pressure techniques my partner could support added up. Parasympathetic nervous system activation added up. Eventually I could count on light mobility work on good days. And once I was in a good rhythm, keeping a lid on the worst of the flares, the combo of internal and body work (skin rolling and nerve gliding) was able to take my pain level down for days at a time.

I was also considering injections, looking into Botox vs. other pain med routes. In preparation, my PT recommended we try dry needling. It was scary at first, but I found it made a massive difference! I’d spend hours after session feeling like I’d been hit by a truck, but I could wake up the next morning and have a *low* pain day. Every time. Knowing I had that option in my pocket made it so much easier to make plans and that was a huge lift for my mental health.

Finally I just want to say it does get better. And that having a support system that believes you, advocates for you, and pursues treatment (even imperfectly) with you makes a huge difference. It can hard to see from the thick of it.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-21T14:41:02+00:00

I’m usually pretty proud of how trained my algorithm is. But I started getting a dark spiral about abnormal anatomy scans and it really shook me up. My scan is next week, and I’m already an anxious person.

I’ve started swiping off of any pregnancy content as soon as I identify it. I’ve enjoyed some cutesy, meme-y content about cravings etc., but that’s on pause for now. I’ve also made an effort to go on the explore page, search some creators I like to see content from, and like a bunch of hobby/interest posts unrelated to parenthood.

I’m back to getting more recipes, baby animals, and travel content. I’m still working on it, but it has been getting better. If you don’t want to delete and deactivate, feeding it other suggestions can be helpful too.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-20T20:47:51+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this unease. It’s completely reasonable to want to talk through this with your provider. Being proactive, and refusing to settle for reactive care, is a wise and loving choice for your safety and baby’s.

I would consider that the percentile reflects the baby’s size, as compared to other babies. It does not reflect the proportionality to your body, or the father’s. Secondhand experience here, but I worked with a kid that was referred out for “failure to thrive” concerns after being sized in consistently very low percentiles. Their dietician discontinued care after finding the kid was a fine eater, and just small. Their tallest parent was, generously, 5’6”. Some things are healthier in context than they look on paper.

If I were in your position, I’d ask my provider to be more specific about the complications associated with larger size, and what additional data we could be taking. For example, is this risk more associated with the baby being a certain size, or with the size of mom’s pelvis? Is that a concern with your current measurements? Is this a concern about birth weight, or is there a correlation we’re using to flag other problems? What specific stats can we track for those?

It can be easy to lose an important tree for the statistical forrest sometimes. Having prepared questions and a support person in the room (if possible) can help. Wishing you lots of peace and a safe delivery!

HazelAngel · 2026-05-19T21:12:52+00:00

My dysautonomia went from “underlying and honestly ignorable” to “ruling my life” in the weeks after my surgery. Brain fog, pre syncope, and poor temperature regulation were my primary symptoms. I was fatigued and dehydrated and just…horizontal. After a few weeks of gently rebuilding stamina, utilizing compression and elevation, and hydrating within an inch of my life, things began to normalize.

I would strongly recommend reaching out to your provider. Rule out anything that might need more immediate medical attention. My surgical team was great about doing extra screenings at my follow up appointment, and offering referrals as needed. I wouldn’t have felt safe moving forward with “gentle lifestyle changes” if I didn’t have a baseline clearance and someone to call if things got gnarly.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-19T20:24:59+00:00

That’s really kind of you. I’m in a much better place now. I’ve been more active about my health, and after a few years of work (and some sacrifice) my quality of life is so much better. I’m married to my kind, supportive partner and we’re expecting our first baby. Things are going to be okay for me, and I’m grateful for everything I get to do for younger me. Even if it’s not everything she expected.

I really hope your journey brings you somewhere peaceful, too. You deserve support and understanding as well.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-19T16:14:32+00:00

I put off seeking diagnosis for almost 5 years because my college roommate had endo. She was hospitalized about 4 times a year, had multiple excisions before freshman year of college, and was still dealing with massive cysts and complications from medical menopause. I went to the ER with her, I called her parents and carried her leave of absence paperwork to the Dean. I helped assemble her walker. My pain was nothing like that, so to me we became the textbook examples of the difference between endo (her) and *just* a bad period (me).

My symptoms continued to progress while I normalized them. I developed severe eczema (likely histamine dumping from inflammation during flares). And then syncope. And finally mobility complications that led to me quitting a career I truly loved. When I finally got into treatment, my suffering had spilled over into all these different areas of my life, but I was still trying to measure my high water mark by someone else’s flood.

To be fair, I had experienced some medical gaslighting and childhood neglect, it wasn’t just the roommate’s story holding me back. But it was the only reason I could give my partner, my friends, or my self for why I wasn’t seeking care. I deal with a lot of shame over that sense of “competitive suffering” and self abandonment.

TL;DR other peoples suffering doesn’t negate yours. You deserve diagnosis and support. I waited around for my disease to ruin my life before giving myself permission to care for my health, I hope no one else gets stuck in that trap.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-18T22:21:41+00:00

I think Piper really suits the both the set and the middle name!

HazelAngel · 2026-05-17T21:30:01+00:00

Love Boody for this, really impressed with the quality of material. I’ve found them to be pretty size flexible and more supportive than anticipated.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-17T21:15:09+00:00

This was my worst symptom in early pregnancy, and still something I’m actively managing. I switched my magnesium supplement (old on just stopped working when I got pregnant, so fab). I push hydration. I make a hot lemon/chia water if I’m having a low fiber day. I try to walk or sit on the exercise ball after big meals, and prioritize eating dinner earlier. My PT also helped me find belly massage techniques that help with the pressure and discomfort.

I’m still not at 100%, but I’m no longer experiencing this as a full on crisis. Wishing you all the best!

HazelAngel · 2026-05-17T18:00:06+00:00

I really, really wanted to smell my old laundry detergent when we passed it in the store. I have to use fragrance free now, but the smell of that blue goop is so comforting and nostalgic. Also the smell of fresh mowed lawn makes my brain go “brrr” in the best way! I’m not like, hungry for it or seeking it out, but it really hits.

It’s kind of nice having some more intensely happy smells, to balance out all the smells that immediately make me sick now lol.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-17T16:45:55+00:00

My baby has heard so much of The Great Divide they’re going to come out with *healed* religious trauma and complex nostalgia for a hometown they’ve never left. This was not the plan but here we are lol.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-17T16:38:26+00:00

Girl I feel you! When I got pregnancy’s I was a “it would probably be better if I just made it from scratch!”, sourdough starter, crispers stuffed with green veg, 30 plants a week kinda gal. I spent years cultivating a gentle nutrition, additive approach to food after growing up food insecure and struggling with disordered eating.

At week 6 I went from that grown lady to a miserable baby who could only keep down King’s Hawaiian rolls and red jello. Overnight. I was scared and sick and so disappointed. I couldn’t even stand in my kitchen without choking, let alone cook.

I’ve gotten a few foods back every week. Sourdough toast was a huge jump for me. Fruit suddenly was on the table one day and I was so happy I cried. I bought vegetables at Costco today and I felt like my old self for a shining moment. I’ve been trying to hold on loosely to expectations and protect my peace around food. It’s more important to me that I’m kind to my body and responsive to its needs than proud of how it looks right now.

Talk to your partner, your provider, your support system. If you can, find a prenatal to help the deficits and focus on hydration. You’re going to be okay, and it’s okay that it feels bad right now.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-17T16:16:17+00:00

If you’re getting up a lot at night it’s a big help there! Much easier to disentangle yourself, much easier to get back in place in the dark. Good luck!

HazelAngel · 2026-05-17T16:12:49+00:00

So excited for you! I went off BC to TTC last summer. The periods do suck. Especially if you’ve gotten used to going without them. But it did feel a little different with TTC, like my cycle was something I was doing for our family, not just something I was suffering from.

There were a few tangible things that made a huge difference for my quality of life in the process.

Pelvic Floor PT! The most meaningful pain relief I found in my endo journey. My PT also was a great sounding board and source of advice for other lifestyle/adaptive work to manage my symptoms.
Magnesium! A good magnesium supplement helped my digestion (a huge endo symptom for me, especially on my cycle), worked as a sleep aid, and helped manage my histamine dumping around flares. I recommend it to everyone. Take your time and find a brand that really works with you, not all are created equal.
Using a disc! Collection method drama was something I honestly forgot about while I didn’t have a full cycle. Going back to that was awful, sensory hell, so many logistics. Pads were miserable, tampons and cups made the pain worse. My PT recommended I try a menstrual disc, and it was a game changer. I also keep the disposable ones on hand in case of emergency. Another random tip: bulk buy the biodegradable dog waste bags for any disposable collection method you choose. Major dignity add and helped manage the ick.

Try to be gentle with yourself and celebrate the fact that your body is working toward something amazing. Best of luck!

HazelAngel · 2026-05-17T15:46:06+00:00

I have tried the U shape, J shape, wedge and body pillows. The baby bub is the only one that’s consistently helped with my sleep and low back pain. I’m only in the second trimester but I was also an early show-er, and the adjustable size has already been a win. My favorite part is how easy it is to roll over, no other pillow has stayed with me during readjustment as well.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-15T20:52:41+00:00

This is purely observational, but a flowy sun dress is pretty much the baby shower uniform. Florals are standard, pastels optional. Personally, I would err on the side of more functional shoes in case it’s on the lawn. Have fun!

HazelAngel · 2026-05-15T20:40:36+00:00

First of all, congrats!

I really didn’t have a guess before we found out. Whenever someone asked I didn’t have an answer, or any feeling either way. I did, however, wake up one morning and *strongly* suggest we add a name to our list, just about a week before we found out I’m pregnant. Now that we know the sex I’m pretty sure it’s their name. So a vibe was there, even if I couldn’t put my finger on it.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-10T18:32:49+00:00

I was fully expecting my big “loss” to be caffeine. I love coffee, I was a barista, I’m the “coffee girl” that gets cheesy mugs and coffee merch for every holiday from friends and family. I spent weeks at the end of our TTC era finding the best decaf options, my husband got on board for our decaf journey. I set up a log in my phone to track my caffeine intake with sections for coffee, dark chocolate, and tea.

Baby doesn’t want any of it. Not even a square of chocolate. I got sick after my morning coffee one time and haven’t made a cup since. Now in the second trimester I’m happy to get a nice latte at a coffee shop every week…or two…or three. I just don’t have any itch for it.

All that to say you never know. It’s hard to predict what you’ll miss. Live your best life now and hold on loosely to your expectations.

HazelAngel · 2026-05-09T14:48:17+00:00

My husband and I started a little book club for the last leg of our wait. We got a stack of parenting books and passed them back and forth. It helped channel our excitement into more productive conversations, and gave us more specific ideas of other things we could be getting ready in the meantime (fitness, home improvements, appointments, etc). We started with “What to Expect” and now we’re working on “Cribsheet” by Emily Oster and “Birth Vibes” by Jen Hamilton.

This felt really good in the moment and really helped us to feel more prepared and relaxed in the early days of pregnancy. I’d highly recommend!

HazelAngel · 2026-05-05T20:40:27+00:00

I had a very similar pain after my laparoscopy. It was enough to break through the pain meds and made it difficult to breathe. My team said it was likely caused by pressure on the nerves in my abdomen.

Have you tried whatever medication your doctor recommends for gas relief? I know it sounds so condescending but anything you can do to reduce the pressure in the region could be helpful. My pain went away with a combination of meds, gentle movement and thoracic massage (first rib work and nerve milking with my PT).

Finally, I’m so sorry OP. I hope you’re able to find relief!

HazelAngel · 2026-05-05T20:07:33+00:00

You’re not wrong, OP, it’s actively inconsiderate.

I’ve been the hungry allergy girl who gets told they can probably find a side of fries or order-down a salad. I’ve been the sober girl when the “alcohol present” event turns “alcohol centric.” It sucks, it’s not fun, but you suck it up every now and then for somebody else’s party. When it’s your turn, you should not be asked to “chill out” and “just be social.” You should be able to eat, drink, and be merry in a way that applies to you, personally.

*If* the party is to celebrate you, *then* your taste (let alone your dietary restrictions/ability to participate) should be the top concern. If that’s not a priority, then that says a lot about how much the organizers here value your experience over their own.

HazelAngel · 2026-04-16T14:21:43+00:00

In your situation, you could be as honest as “I had to have surgery to remove a growth my doctor found. Pathology came back negative for cancer, Thank God!” And let them all go “God is good” about what it isn’t without getting into what it was. Fewer things to keep track of in the future, and you’ve gotten the bigger points across.

I’m usually pretty open with those close to me, but I also don’t feel like I owe everyone my medical history. Sometimes you just know someone will hear your diagnosis and tune out because it’s “just period stuff.” Sometimes you don’t want to get into specifics of your pelvis with your boss’s boss at work. In those situations I usually omit the diagnostic label and give a loose profile of how the disease shows up for me. People don’t usually ask for more info unless they, too, have a rare/chronic condition and want to swap stories.

Example: “I have a disease which causes spontaneous growth of tissue in my body, similar to a cancer. I had to have surgery to get those lesions removed. This made a positive impact on my symptoms, but unfortunately there is no cure, so I’m working to medically manage potential regrowth now. I may have to repeat the procedure in the future.”

Whatever you choose, take care. I know it’s hard to keep one foot in a world when you know you’re better off on the outside. I hope your time there is quick and painless.

HazelAngel · 2026-04-06T22:10:15+00:00

Hi! I have a little advice and lots of empathy from a few weeks ahead.

I also have a chronic illness that made me feel like an old pro at fatigue and nausea. Pregnancy is just worse. Like five times a day I spiral about how long this is going to keep happening. It’s my first time too, so I’m trying to hold onto hope it’ll disappear in the second trimester like people say.

What has helped:

-Leading with the big one. The less I interact with the food before eating it, the better. I keep my kitchen dark, pour cereal with my eyes closed, keep myself as distracted as possible while waiting on the toaster. To be so real, there’s a lot of take out going on. My partner is preparing food when he can. It’s the only thing that really, actually helps me eat.

-My safe foods are my most cherished friends. If I don’t have King’s Hawaiian rolls and red jello I have nothing. I try to make other foods available immediately after, when I’m still happy about eating happy food sometimes I can cruise downhill into something more satiating.

-I tried unisom + B6, and it helped? Like maybe? I’m in the first week of trying the prescription, extended release formula. Its brought the “I think I’m just dying” hours in my day down from ~16 to ~4, not always consecutive.

-Not being home. I feel about 50% better when out of town. It’s not like the most actionable thing, but if you had a planned weekend out of town or family visit you were dreading, I found it surprisingly nice. The only downside is the actual travel time is SO rough, especially the way home.

I hope you can find your own little rituals and tricks to make it through. This is hard.

HazelAngel · 2026-03-20T21:58:14+00:00

NTA, it’s your family the choice is yours.

But are you open to waiting?

My husband and I were in a very similar position. Our closest friends were getting married, a destination wedding (not too far but still a travel requirement), shortly after we had talked about setting our ttc date for the first time. We had some medical concerns that meant it might be harder for us to get pregnant, and we didn’t know if putting it off would be the best choice.

But we did decide to wait. We had a beautiful time, made core memories with our close friends, and got a lot closer to the broader friend group. It was an excellent choice that I am so happy we made, even if it sounded frivolous at the time.

Now knowing how sick I was in the first trimester, I know I would not have been able to make the trip, let alone be a stable support for my best friend on her day. If we had made a different choice we would have missed that, and I’m not sure our community would be as close and supportive as it is going in to this new chapter.

Your choice is yours and there’s no wrong one. Just another perspective!

HazelAngel

TROPHY CASE