Podcasts > Pursuit of Wellness > I'm Pregnant.

I'm Pregnant.

By Mari Llewellyn

In this episode of Pursuit of Wellness, Mari Llewellyn shares her personal journey to pregnancy through IVF treatments, including a strategic two-month break from social media and work during her embryo transfer. She discusses her experience with early pregnancy symptoms, medical challenges, and the emotional complexities of waiting to share her news until after the 12-week milestone.

The episode covers Llewellyn's approach to maintaining wellness during pregnancy, from adjusting her exercise routine to developing a personalized nutrition plan. She details her decisions about diet modifications, including her choices about caffeine intake and the incorporation of specific foods for fetal development, drawing from sources like Emily Oster's pregnancy research and Dr. Rhonda Patrick's nutritional guidance.

I'm Pregnant.

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 2, 2025 episode of the Pursuit of Wellness

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

I'm Pregnant.

1-Page Summary

Mari's IVF and Embryo Transfer Experience

Mari Llewellyn shares her personal journey through infertility treatments, detailing her two-year IVF journey before achieving pregnancy. During her embryo transfer, Mari took a deliberate two-month break from social media and work to focus on her well-being. After reaching the significant 12-week milestone, she felt ready to share her pregnancy news with her followers, though she had mixed feelings about ending her private time.

Emotional Journey of Discovering Pregnancy

While Mari had anticipated pregnancy would be purely wonderful, she found herself experiencing both joy and anxiety. After her embryo transfer, Mari and her husband Greg endured a challenging two-week waiting period. When they received positive test results, their excitement was tempered by concerns about the pregnancy's viability, leading them to wait before sharing the news.

Early in her pregnancy, Mari faced significant uncertainty when her clinic warned of only a 1% chance of success due to low HCG levels. Despite this dire prediction, Mari and Greg maintained hope, continuing with weekly ultrasounds and blood tests. With support from her acupuncturist and dedication to holistic practices, Mari's pregnancy progressed positively, eventually leading to an earlier due date due to the baby's strong growth.

Pregnancy Symptoms, Lifestyle Changes, and Nutrition

Mari experienced typical pregnancy symptoms including breast changes, fatigue, and morning nausea. She modified her exercise routine, reducing weightlifting initially but maintaining daily walking goals. Regarding nutrition, Mari developed a personalized plan informed by Emily Oster's "Expecting Better," choosing to avoid alcohol and limit caffeine while allowing herself certain indulgences. Following Dr. Rhonda Patrick's advice, she incorporated fish eggs into her diet for their DHA content, beneficial for fetal brain development.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can create a self-care sabbatical plan that includes a specific start and end date, activities that promote well-being, and a commitment to disconnect from work and social media. For example, choose a two-month period where you focus on activities like meditation, reading, or spending time in nature, and inform your network that you'll be offline to manage expectations.
  • Establish a personal milestone celebration ritual to mark significant life events in a way that feels right for you. This could involve writing a letter to yourself, planting a tree, or creating a piece of art to commemorate the occasion, allowing you to reflect on your journey and share your joy in a meaningful way.
  • Develop a holistic wellness routine that aligns with your life stages or goals, incorporating practices such as acupuncture, guided imagery, or yoga. Tailor this routine to your needs by researching and integrating advice from trusted sources, and track your progress and how you feel in a wellness journal to adjust as necessary.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
I'm Pregnant.

Mari's Ivf and Embryo Transfer Experience

Mari Llewellyn opens up about her intimate and challenging journey through infertility treatments, sharing her experience with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the measures she took to ensure the best outcome.

Mari Underwent Two Years of IVF Before Pregnancy

After two years of infertility, filled with negative pregnancy tests, Mari found herself on a grueling path to motherhood. She has publicly shared how it took time, perseverance, and emotional endurance to navigate the IVF process before she could finally confirm her pregnancy.

Mari Paused Social Media and Work During Her Embryo Transfer

With her desire for privacy and cautious hope, Mari took significant steps to focus on her well-being during the embryo transfer. She took a two-month hiatus from social media, effectively becoming a hermit, to prevent any external influence or stress from jinxing the delicate procedure.

After the embryo transfer, Mari consciously chose to take it easy, indicating a pause from her regular rigorous activities. This step not only illustrates her commitment to the potential of new life but also underscores the immense personal sacrifice and care that IVF demands from individuals.

Mari Was Nervous to Sh ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Mari's Ivf and Embryo Transfer Experience

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can create a personal resilience journal to document your journey through challenging life events, similar to how someone might track their IVF experience. Start by writing down your feelings, the obstacles you face, and the strategies you use to overcome them. This practice can help you reflect on your growth and the strength you've developed over time.
  • Consider setting up an auto-reply for your email and a temporary message for your social media accounts to inform contacts of your digital detox during significant life events. This step ensures that you can focus on your well-being without the pressure to respond immediately, much like taking a break during a critical personal process.
  • Plan a 'celebration of milestones' ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
I'm Pregnant.

Emotional Journey of Discovering Pregnancy

Mari Llewellyn shares her emotional journey of discovering her pregnancy after enduring infertility struggles, conveying a mixture of joy, hope, and anxiety.

Mari's Mixed Emotions About Pregnancy

Mari had envisioned that pregnancy would be an exclusively amazing time. However, upon becoming pregnant, she found herself experiencing both immense happiness and unexpected anxieties.

Optimistic Mari Faces Pregnancy After Infertility Struggles

While attempting to remain positive throughout her journey, Mari faced unexplained infertility issues with unwavering optimism. Even as she experienced some pregnancy symptoms, Mari remained cautious, trying not to get too attached or overly excited to safeguard against potential disappointment.

Anxious Wait For Mari and Greg After Embryo Transfer

Mari describes the looming two-week wait after her embryo transfer as one of the most challenging periods she has faced, pointing to her need for certainty and control as a source of significant anxiety for both her and her husband Greg.

Joyous Test, but Mari and Greg Worried About Pregnancy Viability

After an anxious wait ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Emotional Journey of Discovering Pregnancy

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can create a personal reflection journal to navigate the complex emotions of a significant life event, like pregnancy after infertility, by writing down your feelings each day and noting any patterns or triggers that arise. This practice can help you understand and manage your emotions better, providing a safe space to express joy, hope, anxiety, or any other feelings without judgment.
  • Develop a support system strategy by identifying friends or family members who have gone through similar experiences and setting up regular check-ins with them. This could be through weekly coffee meetups or virtual calls where you can share your experiences and receive emotional support, helping you to feel less isolated and more understood during challenging times.
  • Implement a "celebration and caution" ritual with ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
I'm Pregnant.

Navigating the Ups and Downs of Early Pregnancy

Mari and Greg's journey through early pregnancy is marked by a challenging egg retrieval process, uncertainty, and concerns about HCG levels and viability, but it ultimately turns into a story of hope and reassurance.

Challenges and Uncertainty in Early Pregnancy: Low Hcg Levels and Viability Concerns

Mari describes a state of fear and uncertainty due to concerns about the success of her pregnancy, especially after a blood test initially showed the potential for an ectopic pregnancy, which is not viable. She describes the emotional rollercoaster and mental torture of waiting for phone calls from the clinic.

Mari's Ivf Clinic Warned Her Of a 1% Pregnancy Success Chance Based On Her Hcg Levels

Mari's initial HCG levels indicated low levels that raised alarms for viability concerns. After being notified of her slow-rising HCG levels—having increased from 98 to 119—her doctor informed her that there was only a one percent chance of a successful pregnancy, hinting at the low probability of viability. The clinic even discussed the next steps for a second transfer, implying the current attempt may not succeed.

Mari and Greg Stayed Hopeful, Monitoring Pregnancy With Weekly Ultrasounds and Blood Tests

Despite the ominous probability, Mari, supported by Greg, clung to hope and continued to monitor her pregnancy. Upon receiving a higher-than-expected HCG level of 280 later on, there was room for cautious optimism, though the clinic remained noncommittal. Amidst this uncertainty and the challenging wait between tests, Mari removed herself from social media to evade the emotional strain of comparisons to other people's experiences.

With Her Acupuncturist's Support and Holistic Practices, Mari ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Navigating the Ups and Downs of Early Pregnancy

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can track your personal health journey using a dedicated journal to document changes and improvements, similar to how Mari and Greg monitored the pregnancy. Start by noting down any health metrics relevant to your situation, like sleep patterns, diet, exercise, or mood. Over time, this can help you identify patterns and progress, providing reassurance and motivation to continue with healthy practices.
  • Create a personal support network by reaching out to professionals and peers who share your health goals or experiences. This could involve finding a local support group, consulting with a nutritionist, or even starting a peer accountability partnership where you check in with each other regularly to share successes and challenges.
  • Engage in a digital detox by setting ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
I'm Pregnant.

Pregnancy Symptoms, Lifestyle Changes, and Nutrition

Mari Llewellyn shares her experience with pregnancy symptoms and discusses the lifestyle changes and nutritional adjustments she has made in anticipation of her baby's needs.

Mari's Pregnancy Symptoms: Breast Changes, Fatigue, Nausea

Throughout the initial weeks of pregnancy, Mari Llewellyn experiences significant changes and symptoms. She particularly notices her breasts hurting and becoming substantially larger, which presents practical challenges such as difficulties in getting dressed. Alongside breast changes, Mari faces waves of fatigue at various times of the day and mild nausea that typically strikes first thing in the morning, requiring her to eat right away to calm her stomach.

Mari Prioritizes Her Health and the Baby's Needs Through Diet and Exercise During Pregnancy

While adapting to these symptoms, Mari expresses how she missed weightlifting, an activity that aids her mental well-being and body image. After the embryo transfer, her clinic advised against working out initially, especially heavy lifting, to minimize risks. At around 9 or 10 weeks, she slowly eases back into weightlifting about four days a week, ensuring she avoids core exercises and heavy strain. However, despite some adjustments to her workout routine, Mari consistently aims to achieve close to 10,000 steps each day through walking. Additionally, Mari accommodates her cravings for items like lemonade and sandwiches and permits herself the occasional taco or sandwich when she’s not feeling well or feeling especially fatigued.

Mari Follows a Personalized Pregnancy Nutrition Plan Based On Expert Advice and Research

Nutrition during pregnancy takes a significant place in Mari's daily routine. She emphasizes eating more often, with an increased focus on protein, and indulging in carbs, which she finds makes her feel better. Mari mentions she is attempting to eat cleaner, avoiding seed oils and fast food but also allowing herself some indulgences, which notably includes a preference for fruits. Her approach to dietary restrictions during pregnancy has been informed by reading "Expecting Better" by Emily Oster, a bo ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Pregnancy Symptoms, Lifestyle Changes, and Nutrition

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While walking and achieving 10,000 steps a day can be beneficial, it's important to note that the specific number of steps may not be ideal for every pregnant woman, as individual health conditions and pregnancy complications can necessitate different levels of activity.
  • Personalized nutrition plans are valuable, but it's crucial to ensure they are developed with the guidance of healthcare professionals to meet all the nutritional needs of both the mother and the developing fetus.
  • Indulging in cravings is normal during pregnancy, but it's important to balance these with nutrient-dense foods to ensure adequate nutrition for both mother and baby.
  • The avoidance of seed oils and fast food is generally considered a healthy choice, but it's worth noting that not all seed oils are unhealthy, and some may provide essential nutrients.
  • While "Expecting Better" by Emily Oster offers a statistical approach to pregnancy recommendations, it's important to consider that individual risk factors and medical advice from a healthcare provider should also play a significant role in dietary decisions.
  • The decision to avoid certain foods like alcohol and raw fish is widely supported, but the choice to consume deli meat may not be advisable for all pregna ...

Actionables

- You can track your daily steps with a simple pedometer or smartphone app to ensure you're staying active in a low-impact way, aiming for a goal like 10,000 steps, which can be adjusted based on your personal fitness level and doctor's advice.

  • Walking is a gentle exercise that doesn't require special equipment or a gym membership. Start by integrating walks into your daily routine, such as a morning stroll before work or a walk after dinner. To make it more engaging, create mini-challenges for yourself, like taking a new route each week or walking to complete errands instead of driving.
  • Create a balanced meal plan that focuses on incorporating a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, while allowing for occasional treats that satisfy your cravings.
  • Begin by listing foods you enjoy that fit within these categories, then plan your meals around them. For example, if you love tacos, make a healthier version at home using whole ingredients like grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and whole-grain tortillas. Allow yourself a scheduled treat, such as a homemade lemonade on weekends, to maintain balance without feeling deprived.
  • Educate yourself on prenatal nutritio ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA