79. After navigating three heartbreaking losses and a low AMH diagnosis, Bridget was preparing to begin the IVF process when life took an unexpected turn. Tune in to hear how she found peace amidst the clinical pressure and went on to naturally conceive her son at age 40, just days before her follow-up fertility appointment.
On episode 79, What happens when you are mentally preparing for the intensity of IVF, only for your body to surprise you? In this episode, Bridget shares her deeply personal journey of fertility in her late 30s and early 40s. From the shock of an unplanned pregnancy early in a relationship to the devastating experience of an ectopic pregnancy and subsequent losses, Bridget opens up about the emotional and physical toll of the TTC journey. We discuss the impact of low AMH, the reality of living with fibroids, and the difficult decision to undergo surgery to clear the path for a healthy pregnancy.
Bridget’s story is a powerful testament to the fact that “fertility statistics” don’t always tell the whole story. She reflects on the moment she decided to lean into her faith, burned a “hope” candle, and found herself naturally pregnant at 40 despite being told her reserve was low. This conversation covers everything from managing high-risk pregnancy complications like a subchorionic hematoma to the life-saving reality of her scheduled C-section, offering hope to anyone who feels like they are running out of time.
About the Guest
Bridget is a working mom based in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband and their four-and-a-half-month-old son. Though she and her husband first met in 2011, it took ten years of friendship before he finally asked her on a date. Just one month into their new relationship at age 38, Bridget was “freaked out” to discover she was pregnant before they had even said “I love you”—a surprise that kicked off a rollercoaster journey through multiple losses, a low AMH diagnosis, and major surgery for a large fibroid. Now a mother at 40, Bridget is passionate about helping other women advocate for their health and maintain hope even when the medical data feels discouraging.
Connect with Bridget:
- Instagram: @40.year.old.mom
Key Topics
- Here are the key topics covered in Bridget’s episode, organized to highlight both the clinical hurdles and the deeply personal nature of her journey:
- The 10-Year Friendship Turned Romance: How Bridget and her husband navigated the shock of an unplanned pregnancy just one month into dating—before they had even said “I love you.”
- Navigating Ectopic Pregnancy and “Pregnancy of Unknown Location”: The physical and emotional toll of repeated blood work, failed methotrexate treatments, and the anxiety of a potential tubal rupture.
- Shame and Faith in the TTC Journey: Confronting the harmful comments from a therapist regarding “out of wedlock” pregnancy and the process of reclaiming her faith and mental health.
- Dealing with Large Fibroids: The decision-making process behind having a major surgery to remove an “orange-sized” fibroid and how it impacted her future birth options.
- Low AMH and the Brink of IVF: The reality of receiving a low ovarian reserve diagnosis at 39 and the mental preparation for starting the IVF process.
- Natural Conception Against the Odds: The “St. Patrick’s Day Miracle”—conceiving naturally just days before a follow-up fertility appointment after burning a “hope” candle.
- High-Risk Pregnancy Complications: Managing the fear of a large subchorionic hematoma, an unexpected job loss, and the death of a family member all while pregnant at 40.
- The Life-Saving C-Section: The dramatic birth story where doctors discovered her previous fibroid scar had opened during delivery, and the instant bond she felt with her son despite her fears.
- Postpartum and “Mirroring” Success: Insights into breastfeeding challenges, using the Willow and Spectra pumps, and the importance of a strong support system during recovery.
Resources & Links
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. I only recommend products our guests truly love!
Instagram: Follow Over 40 Fabulous and Pregnant
YouTube: Watch Episodes HERE
Recommended TTC Products: Pre-Seed Fertility Lubricant & Vitex & Digital Basal Thermometer
Recommended Pregnancy Products: Fetal Heartbeat Doppler & Pregnancy Pillow & Belly Butter & Pregnancy Day by Day by DK by Maggie Blott
Recommended Postpartum Products: Willow Breast Pump
Shop More: See ALL products recommended by our guests!
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