Pursuit of Wellness Podcast: "I'm Pregnant" – Episode Summary

Release Date: June 2, 2025
Host: Mari Llewellyn / Pursuit Network

Introduction

In the heartfelt episode titled "I'm Pregnant," Mari Llewellyn shares the monumental news of her pregnancy with her loyal listeners. After a two-month hiatus from both the podcast and social media, Mari returns to provide an intimate glimpse into her fertility journey, the emotional whirlwind of IVF, and the joys and challenges of expecting a child.

Pregnancy Announcement and Hiatus

Mari begins the episode by announcing her pregnancy, a moment she admits feeling surreal and dream-like after two long years of infertility and IVF treatments.

[00:00] Mari Llewellyn: "As you can tell by the title, I am pregnant. Oh my God. Can't believe I'm saying that out loud."

She explains her decision to take a break from social media to navigate this personal journey privately, emphasizing the importance of sharing her experience to support others facing similar challenges.

[02:45] Mari Llewellyn: "I have to remind myself constantly like, you really are pregnant. And I think sometimes I feel like I'm living in a dream because I've just waited so long for it that it's hard to grasp."

IVF Journey: From Embryo Transfer to Two-Week Wait

Mari delves into the specifics of her IVF process, recounting the emotions surrounding her embryo transfer on March 20th. She shares the meticulous preparations she undertook to increase the chances of a successful transfer, highlighting practices like acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and maintaining a positive mindset.

[04:30] Mari Llewellyn: "You're pregnant until proven otherwise, which is kind of sad. But you know, it's like a 50, 50 chance of the embryo sticking, honestly."

The host candidly discusses the challenges of the two-week wait post-transfer—the period marked by intense anxiety and uncertainty. She describes her reluctance to take at-home pregnancy tests to avoid false negatives and the emotional toll of feeling physical pregnancy symptoms without confirmation.

[15:10] Mari Llewellyn: "It's a crazy feeling of like gearing yourself up for either the best day of your life or the worst day of your life."

Emotional Rollercoaster: Low HCG Levels and Heartbreak

The narrative takes a somber turn as Mari recounts receiving news of low HCG levels, indicating a potential miscarriage. She shares the devastating impact of this revelation, the isolation she felt despite having support, and the raw emotions that accompanied this anticipated loss.

[25:50] Mari Llewellyn: "It's an awful feeling, like you're in fear all the time. And it's hard to shake that."

A Glimmer of Hope: Rising HCG and Ultrasound Confirmation

Just when hope seems lost, Mari experiences a surge in her HCG levels, prompting another ultrasound. The anticipation and fear intensify as she awaits confirmation of a viable pregnancy. Upon seeing the heartbeat of her baby, Mari describes an overwhelming sense of joy and relief.

[35:20] Mari Llewellyn: "As I saw the baby yesterday and the baby was trying to suck its thumb and like opening its mouth. It was just bizarre."

This milestone marks Mari's graduation from the IVF clinic, symbolizing a transition to a more conventional pregnancy monitoring routine with her regular OB/GYN.

Current Pregnancy Status: Symptoms, Nutrition, and Exercise

Mari provides an update on her pregnancy symptoms, noting an increase in fatigue, breast tenderness, and hunger. She discusses how her symptoms have evolved, particularly around the 12-week mark, and her strategies for managing them, including frequent snacking and staying hydrated.

[55:40] Mari Llewellyn: "I have to eat every hour. I go everywhere with snacks now, like sliced apple, crackers, cheese."

Regarding nutrition, Mari emphasizes a balanced diet rich in protein and DHA, inspired by experts like Dr. Rhonda Patrick. She shares her experiences incorporating fish eggs into her meals for their brain-boosting benefits.

[58:15] Mari Llewellyn: "The DHA in the eggs is more potent than in the fish and it really helps with the baby's brain development."

On the exercise front, Mari discusses her gradual return to physical activity post-IXF, balancing her need for control and discipline with the body's new demands.

[1:05:30] Mari Llewellyn: "I've really, like, gotten more comfortable, and now I'm weightlifting probably four days a week."

Shifts in Podcasting and Future Plans

As Mari embraces her new role as an expectant mother, she reflects on the need to adjust her podcasting schedule. Moving from twice-weekly to weekly episodes, she expresses excitement about continuing to engage with her audience while prioritizing her well-being and upcoming motherhood.

[1:23:50] Mari Llewellyn: "I don't want to be stressed. I want to be able to rest and like enjoy."

She hints at future content, including a Q&A session with her partner Greg to provide diverse perspectives on their journey.

[1:24:20] Mari Llewellyn: "Greg is coming on next week to answer those questions. We're going to do that together."

Conclusion

Mari Llewellyn's "I'm Pregnant" episode offers a raw and authentic portrayal of her fertility struggles, the emotional highs and lows of IVF, and the profound joy of expecting a child after years of challenges. Her openness serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for listeners navigating similar paths, encapsulating the essence of the "Pursuit of Wellness" philosophy—transforming from the inside out with radical honesty, self-belief, and intentional living.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "You really are pregnant. And I think sometimes I feel like I'm living in a dream."
  [02:55] – Mari Llewellyn

• "It was the first time in my career that I didn't share and that I stopped working pretty much for two months."
  [03:30] – Mari Llewellyn

• "It's a crazy feeling of like gearing yourself up for either the best day of your life or the worst day of your life."
  [15:10] – Mari Llewellyn

• "It's an awful feeling, like you're in fear all the time."
  [25:50] – Mari Llewellyn

• "I couldn't believe it. I think a couple times, you know, I..."
  [35:20] – Mari Llewellyn

• "I've got to eat every hour. I go everywhere with snacks now."
  [58:15] – Mari Llewellyn

• "I just want to enjoy it and I don't want to be stressed."
  [1:23:50] – Mari Llewellyn

Final Thoughts

Mari's vulnerability in sharing her pregnancy journey provides invaluable insights into the realities of fertility treatments and early pregnancy experiences. Her commitment to wellness, both physical and mental, underscores the podcast's mission to inspire and support listeners in their own pursuits of becoming the best versions of themselves.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful discussions and personal narratives shared in the episode.