You May Feel A Bit of Pressure: Observations from Infertility's Heart-Wrenching Ride

by Amy Gallo Ryan

A memoir-in-essays that offers a raw and sweeping exploration of infertility, You May Feel a Bit of Pressure tells one woman’s story through the emotions that will be familiar to everyone who has struggled on the path to motherhood. The hope that's exhilarating, the despair that's consuming, and all the messy, absurd, deeply-lived humanness in between. With intimacy and frankness, this book lays bare the rarely-expressed truths at the heart of a widely-felt experience, making it a testament to the power of connection only possible when we say the unsayable things.

“A riveting examination of infertility.” —The Book Life Prize

“A powerfully candid memoir.” —Kirkus Reviews

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[Som · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It reads less like a traditional memoir and more like sitting across from a friend who's finally putting into words everything she's been carrying for years. Amy Gallo Ryan doesn't just talk about infertility itself—she talks about everything that comes with it: the endless waiting, the hope that keeps getting crushed and rebuilt, the strain it puts on your marriage, the awkward baby showers and pregnancy announcements, and even the grief of watching the life you imagined slowly slip further away. I appreciated that she also found moments of humor throughout, which made the heavier parts feel even more real.

As someone in my mid-30s, I found myself relating to so much of what she described. Even if your journey isn't exactly the same, I think a lot of women at this stage of life will recognize that quiet pressure of wondering about time, fertility, and whether life is unfolding the way you thought it would. The chapters on shame, loneliness, grief, and finally learning to move forward really stuck with me, and I thought she handled those emotions with so much honesty. I also loved how much heart there was in her relationship with Tim—their conversations and support for each other gave the story warmth even during its hardest moments.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book. Whether you've experienced infertility yourself or know someone who has, it offers a really compassionate look at what that journey can feel like behind closed doors. It made me laugh, tear up, and reflect on things I hadn't thought about before, and by the end I just wanted to give the author a hug.

[Alex Frnka · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Setting out to create a life, attempting to unleash the sort of infinitesimal spark capable of crackling and blazing into a human being, is perhaps the purest thing any of us can do. But pure is not the same as easy; the endeavor arduous, or effortless, we don’t get to choose."

This memoir is a gift. For any person person going through their own fertility/infertility journey and also a great resource for the people who love and support those people. It's a window into the feelings and thought processes that someone going through this difficult experience might not be able to express themselves. It is beautifully written and incredibly moving. Amy doesn't hold back in voicing her pain, her confusion, her envy-- all the messy feelings that may accompany the process of trying to start a family-- especially when it's not an easy road.

I was fortunate enough to chat with Amy about her memoir on my podcast, Babes in Bookland.
Listen on Spotify here!
Listen on Apple Podcasts here!

[Katharine Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Gallo Ryan’s book, You May Feel a Bit of Pressure, is a beautifully written journey through the topography of her emotions during an arduous fertility struggle. At once deeply moving while also sprinkled with humor that at times had me laughing out loud, her book is a mirror to the human emotions we all feel when we want something so desperately that continues to evade us. As a woman who also struggled with infertility, I found Gallo Ryan’s book brought back long forgotten memories of my own feelings during the fertility journey, helping me to revisit the relationship I have with my own body and by extension, my identity. This human story, which is so tenderly written, reminds us that we all can connect in one way or another because we all grapple with these feelings at various points in our lives. You May Feel a Bit of Pressure is an honest and humorous autobiography that’s a must read for anyone going through the struggle of building their family. Highly, highly recommend it!

[TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

#YouMayFeelABitOfPressure is an honest and insightful glimpse inside Amy Gallo Ryan’s unexplained infertility journey. I’ve definitely noticed a dearth of books on this and adjacent topics, and as Amy shares, there’s so much more to learn, especially as this impacts so many people.

I loved the way Amy shared her story alongside well-balanced education. She became an expert in this area as she walked it (something I could relate to) and serves as a strong advocate for herself and all women. Well-written and thoroughly engaging, I highly recommend it.

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt really connected with this book until the afterward. She stated to read it with caution and the point of the book is to discuss infertility and that the afterward isn’t necessary to that story, but I still read it and it made me sad because I don’t know if the ending she had will be my ending and that made the book feel disjointed for me at the end. If I didn’t read the afterward, I think it’d still be four stars because of how closely I have felt with the author’s feelings about her fertility journey.

[Ruth Garcia-Corrales · Rating 5 out of 5]

You May Feel a Bit of Pressure by Amy Gallo Ryan is a powerful and deeply moving story of resilience, determination, and hope. Through her honest account of infertility, the author reveals the physical and emotional challenges many women endure in their journey to have a child, while also highlighting the strength that comes from having a supportive partner who remains a true teammate every step of the way. Amy Gallo Ryan immerses readers in her reality with such authenticity that it is difficult not to be moved to tears by her courage, perseverance, and unwavering hope.

[Annie B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read. I barely went a single page without highlighting something I hope to return to. I am so impressed by the author's ability to articulate intimate and invasive situations with humor and honesty, forming a deep connection with her audience.

[Zahrie Leja · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite non fiction/memoir book I’ve read all year.

[Marykate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a lot of moving + insightful passages, but the non-linear structure that organized chapters by “themes,” rather than following her on her journey, took away from its effectiveness.

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about facing dashed expectations and standing up against what feel like insurmountable odds. An honest and important book about the challenges of infertility.

[Chrisanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving. Thank you for sharing your story.