I Didn’t Expect This: The Unfiltered Truth About Trying to Conceive (Inspired by Olivia Culpo)
Posted on 26 June 2025 by Elena Moreno — 4 min
Let’s be real—trying to conceive isn’t always the magical Instagram story we imagine.
You know the ones: glowing moms-to-be, hands on perfectly round bumps, everything sun-kissed and effortless. But fast forward to 2025, and if there’s one thing we’re finally getting better at, it’s telling the real stories of the conception journey—messy, emotional, sometimes hilarious, often uncomfortable… and yes, absolutely worth it.
This week, I stumbled upon Olivia Culpo’s latest update (full article here), and let’s just say, her honesty hit home. Olivia—who’s expecting her first baby with NFL star Christian McCaffrey—posted online about how painful and downright tough her pregnancy has been, shattering that picture-perfect myth. And for those in the thick of TTC (trying to conceive), her story is more than relatable—it’s a breath of fresh air.
“Sunshine and Rainbows”? Not Exactly
When Olivia admitted, “pregnancy isn’t all sunshine and rainbows”—wow, did I feel that. I remember my own late-night Google searches (“Is it normal for my stomach to do THIS after insemination?”) and the hush-hush chats in private forums. Even the act of trying can feel like a roller coaster of hope, disappointment, and sometimes, physical discomfort. We rarely talk about:
- The weirdness of tracking every twinge, temperature, and timing.
- The awkwardness (and occasional hilarity) of at-home insemination.
- The punch-in-the-gut feeling when it doesn’t work… again.
- The anxiety about what comes next, or if you’re “doing it right.”
Sound familiar?
You’re Not Alone (Seriously!)
Reading Olivia Culpo’s candid truth isn’t just comforting—it’s a reminder that celebrity or not, every person’s path to parenthood is unique. The idea that you can feel both excited and overwhelmed, hopeful and terrified, is universal.
And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: so much TTC advice is sugar-coated. But out here, in the real world, conception is all about persistence, patience, and finding what works for you (not some random couple on TikTok).
What I Wish I’d Known Before Starting the TTC Journey
Want the unfiltered scoop? Here’s what nobody told me:
1. At-Home Solutions Are Legit (and Empowering)
For ages, fertility was territory for clinics and sterile exam rooms. But fast-forward to today, and there are real, science-backed tools for those of us determined to take things into our own hands (literally and figuratively).
Companies like MakeAMom’s resource-packed site are changing the game. Their insemination kits are tailored for every kind of situation—whether you’re using frozen sperm, have motility concerns, or deal with physical sensitivities like vaginismus. (Seriously, whoever designed a kit with that in mind, thank you.)
2. The Learning Curve Is Real
You’ll probably fumble with that syringe the first time. You might watch five YouTube videos and still stick the wrong end in. (Just me?) But the best part of doing this at home is reclaiming your agency—and realizing that “perfection” isn’t the goal. Progress is.
3. The Community Matters.
If you take one thing away from Olivia’s honesty, let it be this: VOICING the hard stuff matters. Find your tribe—whether it’s an online forum, a trusted friend, or the comments section right here. Sharing the weird, wild, and wonderful parts of this process is healing, and it might just help someone else feel seen.
Tips for Surviving the Bumpy Parts
- Ditch the Timeline: Your journey is yours. If you need a break, take it—no shame, no guilt.
- Track, But Don’t Obsess: Yes, ovulation is important. But so is your sanity. Find a balance.
- Celebrate Tiny Wins: Finished your first insemination? High five! Remember, every step is progress.
- Ask Every “Stupid” Question: (Spoiler: there are no stupid questions.) Use resources like MakeAMom’s guides and forums—they’re made for this!
The Real Glow-Up: Owning Your Experience
If Olivia Culpo—glamorous, famous, and still human—can be honest about the aches and pains of pregnancy, maybe we can all be a bit gentler with ourselves, too. The truth is, this journey isn’t linear, and the struggle doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
Whether you’re just starting or knee-deep in OPKs and syringes, remember: you’re not alone, you’re not failing, and you’re certainly not the only one who sometimes laughs (or ugly cries) at the whole thing.
So, what’s your story?
Drop a comment below if Olivia’s honesty resonated with you—or if you’ve got your own TTC truths to share. Your experience matters. And who knows? The next bump in your story might just be the start of something beautiful.