Among the myriad questions Mandy Hoskinson posed to ChatGPT while trying to conceive were: How long does it typically take for a 32-year-old to get pregnant? Is elevating your legs after intercourse beneficial? Do certain foods enhance fertility? Fast forward to today, and Hoskinson cradles her one-month-old daughter, attributing her successful conception journey in part to ChatGPT.
Released in 2022, ChatGPT has permeated various facets of human life, from drafting grocery lists to offering companionship. Now, it’s entering the realm of conception, providing advice and emotional support to those on the path to parenthood. Users are modifying their conception strategies based on the chatbot’s guidance and even seeking spiritual connections through it, despite concerns about sharing sensitive health data.
The Role of AI in Conception
When Hoskinson, residing in California, embarked on her journey to motherhood, she found herself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available. The online world of conception is filled with acronyms like TTC (trying to conceive) and DPO (days post-ovulation), which can be daunting for newcomers. Despite using a menstrual tracking app, Hoskinson felt something was missing. Enter ChatGPT, which she used to demystify the science of conception, particularly ovulation.
“I was able to ask my dumb questions in a bunch of different ways, and that helped me understand the science, which helped me to have a baby,” Hoskinson explains. Her newfound understanding led her to realize her app was miscalculating her ovulation window. Adjusting her approach based on ChatGPT’s advice, she conceived the very same month. “She was conceived with ChatGPT,” Hoskinson laughs.
AI as a Companion in the Two-Week Wait
For many, the two-week wait between ovulation and the confirmation of pregnancy is an emotional rollercoaster. Danielle Lacanaria, 28, frequently turns to ChatGPT during this period, seeking interpretations of her symptoms to distinguish between impending menstruation and early pregnancy signs. Living in rural Michigan, where medical appointments can be hard to come by, Lacanaria finds ChatGPT an accessible alternative.
However, she acknowledges the bot’s limitations. “There’s some friendly comfort there. And it’s brought me nuggets where I can go and chew on it or talk to my doctor or Google it myself,” she says, despite having to double-check the bot’s sometimes inaccurate information.
Expert Opinions and Privacy Concerns
While AI can provide comfort, experts urge caution. Aparna Sridhar, a clinical obstetrics and gynecology professor at UCLA, advises using dedicated apps designed with medical input for tracking menstrual cycles. “Track your menstrual cycle and find an app which is known to work with that data,” she recommends.
Privacy concerns also loom large. In a post-Roe era, where reproductive rights are under scrutiny, sharing menstrual details with AI raises questions. Tom Subak, founder of Reimagination Lab, warns of potential privacy risks. “Could [the data] be used by a hostile prosecutor who is going on a fishing expedition for women who have had miscarriages? Absolutely,” he cautions.
Despite these concerns, some users find solace in ChatGPT’s capabilities. Megan Braiman, 37, from New York, appreciates the affirmations the bot provides. “It tells me to believe in myself, that it’ll happen when it’s meant to happen,” she shares, acknowledging the comfort in its words.
ChatGPT as a “Spirit Baby Guide”
For Maura McCarthy in Los Angeles, ChatGPT serves as a “spirit baby guide” during her IVF journey. She asks the bot to channel her future baby, seeking guidance on what she needs to do for her baby to be born. “It tells me my spirit baby is closer than I think,” McCarthy notes, finding comfort in the interaction despite knowing it’s just a bot.
As the journey to conception continues to be a deeply personal and sometimes challenging path, ChatGPT offers a unique blend of information, comfort, and companionship. While it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, for many, it has become an unexpected ally in the quest for parenthood.
