Confession time: I watched a horror movie about pregnancy right before my last insemination attempt—and it made me feel braver.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Wait, you voluntarily queued up a film inspired by Rosemary’s Baby when you’re trying to conceive?” But stick with me for a moment—because there’s something weirdly empowering about seeing our deepest anxieties played out on screen, especially when it comes to the emotional rollercoaster of trying to welcome a little one into our lives.

If you missed it, Slashfilm recently spotlighted a forgotten TV movie that reimagined the horror classic Rosemary’s Baby: “Ron Perlman Masters of Horror Pro-Life Reimagined Rosemary's Baby.” John Carpenter (yes, the Halloween guy!) directed Ron Perlman in an episode that puts a fresh (and let’s be honest, deeply unsettling) spin on the story of a woman facing terrifying forces during pregnancy. While the movie goes to some truly wild places, watching it during my own fertility journey made me feel—dare I say?—seen.

Why We’re All a Little Bit Like Rosemary

If you’ve ever tried to conceive—whether through home insemination, IVF, or a good old-fashioned “let’s see what happens”—you know it can feel like you’re starring in your own psychological thriller. There are so many unknowns, so many moments when you wonder if your body is working with you or against you.

This is why horror movies about pregnancy hit so close to home. The fear, the hope, the waiting, and (sometimes) the feeling that outside forces are controlling your future—it’s all there. At first glance, that sounds like a reason to avoid these movies. But here’s the plot twist: If processed in a safe environment, scary stories can actually make us braver.

The Power of Facing Our Fears (on Screen)

Psychologists call it “exposure therapy.” Watching a fictional character face nightmarish scenarios lets us process our own anxieties from a safe distance. And let’s be real: If Rosemary can survive demon cults, surely we can survive another two-week wait, right?

Here’s what I learned after my horror movie binge:

• We’re stronger than we think: Witnessing characters endure the unimaginable puts our own struggles into perspective.
• Anxieties lose power when named: Horror films make intangible fears concrete, helping us “see” and (eventually) challenge them.
• Empathy grows: We connect with characters—and by extension, ourselves and our partners—as we root for them to find safety, hope, and light at the end of the tunnel.

Taking Back Control: Real-World Tools for Fertility Stress

Now, I’m not saying you should marathon every pregnancy-related horror flick out there. But I am saying it’s okay (even healthy!) to acknowledge that fears about fertility and control are real. And, just like the protagonists in our favorite films, we can find tools to take back our power.

One thing that helps me is feeling informed and in control of my choices. That’s why I was drawn to at-home insemination kits—low drama, zero jump-scares, just science and privacy. Companies like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits are designed specifically for people who want more autonomy (and less waiting room anxiety) in their conception journey. Their kits are reusable, discreetly packaged, and tailored to meet the needs of everyone from single parents to couples dealing with sensitivities or mobility issues. Knowing there are accessible, non-clinical options available gave me a sense of empowerment—and, honestly, major peace of mind. It’s nice to realize you’re not entirely at the mercy of “the unknown.”

Scary Stories, Real Hope

Here’s the kicker: The journey to parenthood is never just a medical procedure. It’s an emotional odyssey, full of ups, downs, and sometimes (let’s admit it) truly weird plot twists. By facing our fears and talking openly about them—whether through sharing a laugh over a horror movie or just admitting that sometimes we’re scared—we build the kind of resilience that real happy endings are made of.

So, the next time you catch yourself spiraling about “what ifs,” remember: You are the main character in your own story. Whether you’re battling paperwork, ovulation sticks, or just your own inner demons, you’ve got the strength to make it through. And if you need a little extra courage, there’s always a movie night—or a chat with someone who’s been there—waiting for you.

Let’s hear from you! Have you ever found strength or comfort in the unlikeliest of places on your fertility journey? Drop your thoughts (or your favorite comforting movie) in the comments below. We’re all in this together—and nobody’s story is too scary to share.