If you’ve ever brushed off a weird twinge or cramp as ‘just a pregnancy thing,’ you NEED to read this.
Last week, I stumbled across Jenna Scott’s story on Business Insider (read it here) and, honestly, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Jenna was just 31—fit, healthy, and excited for the next chapter in her life. When she started experiencing abdominal cramps, her doctors chalked it up to pregnancy symptoms or IBS. A full year later, she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.
Let that sink in. Stage. Four.
The Silent Threat Nobody Talks About
Reading Jenna’s story made my stomach flip. It’s every fertility warrior’s nightmare: you’re laser-focused on conception, so every ache is either a hopeful sign or a minor annoyance. You’re told, “It’s normal! Welcome to pregnancy!”
But what if, sometimes, it isn’t normal?
Part of building your family is learning to trust your body—but also to question it. Jenna’s experience is a wake-up call for anyone on the path to pregnancy, whether you’re trying at home, with a clinic, with a sperm donor, or with your partner.
Why We Ignore Red Flags—And Why That’s Dangerous
Let’s be real: the TTC (trying to conceive) community is all about symptom spotting. We Google sore boobs, weird cramps, that random nosebleed. Forums are full of “Am I pregnant or just nuts?” posts. I’ve been there!
But pregnancy and early conception symptoms overlap with SO many other conditions—some harmless, some (like Jenna’s case) extremely serious.
Here’s the kicker: - Medical bias is real, especially for women and marginalized folks - Pregnant or TTC patients often get their symptoms dismissed as “hormonal” - We get used to putting fertility above all else—even above our own health
The (Uncomfortable) Questions You Have to Ask
So how do you know when to push for more answers? Here are five questions that could save your life:
- Has this symptom lasted more than two weeks?
- Is the pain or discomfort getting worse, not better?
- Have you had any new, unexplained bleeding or digestive changes?
- Have you felt dismissed by a provider?
- Would I downplay this if it weren’t for my fertility goals?
If you said yes to even one, it’s time to speak up—loudly.
Building Your Family Means Protecting Yourself, Too
Jenna’s journey is a gut check for all of us: your dream of parenthood is precious, but so is your health. I know firsthand how easy it is to get tunnel vision while trying everything—from lifestyle tweaks to ovulation tracking to researching at-home insemination options.
The beauty of today’s fertility landscape is that more options than ever exist to help families grow on their own terms. For example, MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits empower people to take charge of the process in a safe, private environment. But even with brilliant products, the most important tool you have is your intuition.
When something feels off, don’t ignore it. Don’t let anyone—doctor, friend, or forum—convince you it’s just “part of the journey.”
Real Talk: How I’ve Learned to Be My Own Advocate
After reading Jenna’s story, I made a pact with myself: no more downplaying, no more dismissals. I started keeping a symptom journal (trust me, it helps track patterns and spot changes). If a cramp or pang doesn’t feel right, I make notes and follow up with my provider until I get answers.
You are not being dramatic. You’re being proactive.
What You Can Do—Starting Today
Here’s how you can put self-advocacy into practice while TTC: - Track your symptoms: Use an app, notebook, or even voice memos on your phone - Be specific: When you see your provider, describe the sensation, timing, and duration - Ask for clarification: “If this isn’t pregnancy or hormones, what else could it be?” - Bring a buddy: A partner or friend can help keep you accountable and advocate with you
The Bottom Line: Prevention Is Power
It’s never too soon to listen to your gut. Jenna’s story is a heartbreaking reminder, but also a beacon: you CAN insist on answers. You can build your family and ensure you’ll be there, healthy and strong, for all the years ahead.
So next time you feel a symptom that doesn’t sit right, don’t wait. Speak up. Investigate. Demand attention. Because your journey to parenthood deserves all of you.
Have you ever felt dismissed by a provider while TTC? What helped you finally get answers? Share your story below—let’s empower each other to be heard!
