Is it okay to avoid baby-related events when TTC?

What if my friend or family member doesn’t understand my feelings?

Try sharing a little bit of what you’re going through. If they still don’t get it, it's okay to set boundaries. Not everyone will understand, and that’s not your responsibility to fix.

Can I still be happy for others and feel sad for myself?

The heart can hold sunshine and rain together. Feeling both doesn’t make you broken, it makes you real.

Will these feelings ever go away?

They may not disappear entirely until your situation changes, but with time and support, they often become easier to carry.

When should I seek support from a professional?

If you feel overwhelmed, isolated, or like your emotions are too heavy to manage on your own, speaking to a therapist or counsellor can be incredibly helpful.

How to Cope with Pregnancy News While TTC

Trying to conceive (TTC) can be an emotional rollercoaster. Some days are filled with hope, while others are heavy with disappointment. And in the middle of all this, seeing someone else share their pregnancy news, on social media, in family chats, or at gatherings, can feel like a punch to the gut.

You may feel happy for them, but still find yourself asking, “Why not me?” That doesn't make you a bad person; it makes you human.

This article is for anyone navigating those tricky emotions. From giving yourself permission to feel, to setting boundaries with love, to finding small ways to stay grounded. These steps won’t fix everything, but they might help you move through the hard moments with a little more grace and a lot more self-compassion.

Let's get started!

1. Let yourself feel what you feel

You are not being mean or selfish for feeling a sting when someone announces their pregnancy. You’re being human. These emotions, jealousy, sadness, and frustration, come from a deep place of longing. Let them come and let them pass.

It’s okay to cry.
It’s okay to feel angry.
It’s okay to feel nothing at all.

You don’t have to put on a brave face all the time. Sit with your emotions when they come. Breathe into them. Be kind to yourself like you would be to a close friend.

2. Choose when and how you want to engage

Social media can be triggering. You don’t have to comment on a pregnancy post right away or at all. It’s okay to pause. It’s perfectly okay to pause and catch your breath. You owe no one an explanation.

Mute or unfollow accounts if needed. You can always follow them again later.
Don’t feel guilty about skipping events like baby showers. Protecting your emotional space is important.
You can love your friend and still take care of yourself.

3. Talk honestly with the people you trust

Trying to appear “fine” all the time is exhausting. Let someone in. You don’t need to explain everything, just share how you're doing.

A simple, “It’s been a hard week emotionally,” is enough.
You can say, “I'm celebrating with you from afar, I just need a little breathing room while I process my own feelings”.
Share this article with someone close; it may help explain how you’re feeling.

Sometimes, just telling someone what’s up makes all the difference; they get it, and they’ve got you. And if they don’t respond as you hoped, that’s not your fault.

4. Use their joy as a wish for your future

This is a gentle mindset shift, not easy, but helpful over time. When you see someone else pregnant, you can silently say, “Yes, please. That is what I want in my life, too.”

It moves your thoughts from lack to hope.
It connects you with your dream, not your pain.
Plant seeds of joy in your tomorrow. You deserve to see them bloom.

You’re not pretending everything’s okay. You’re simply choosing to believe there is space for your happiness, too.

5. Accept that some things are not fair, and that’s okay

Infertility can make life feel incredibly unfair. And sometimes, it truly is. But repeating “It’s not fair” over and over only drains your energy.

Instead, try shifting the focus:

Life doesn’t always play fair, but you’ve got more strength than you know.
You are learning how to take care of yourself in hard times.
You don’t need proof to be proud. Growth isn’t just for the easy days. The hard ones count too.

There’s courage in facing this experience with softness and honesty. You are allowed to feel broken and still be brave.

Navigating pregnancy envy while trying to conceive isn’t easy, and you’re not expected to do it perfectly. It’s okay to have hard days, to step back, to grieve, and to hope all at once. The important thing is to be kind to yourself and honour your feelings without guilt. Everyone’s journey looks different, and comparing paths will only distract you from your own. With patience, support, and a little self-compassion, you can move through this season with strength and grace.

FAQs on Dealing with Pregnancy Announcements While TTC: A Gentle Survival Guide

Is it okay to avoid baby-related events when TTC?
What if my friend or family member doesn’t understand my feelings?
What if my friend or family member doesn’t understand my feelings?
Try sharing a little bit of what you’re going through. If they still don’t get it, it's okay to set boundaries. Not everyone will understand, and that’s not your responsibility to fix.
Can I still be happy for others and feel sad for myself?
The heart can hold sunshine and rain together. Feeling both doesn’t make you broken, it makes you real.
Will these feelings ever go away?
They may not disappear entirely until your situation changes, but with time and support, they often become easier to carry.
When should I seek support from a professional?
If you feel overwhelmed, isolated, or like your emotions are too heavy to manage on your own, speaking to a therapist or counsellor can be incredibly helpful.