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

by Amy Gallo Ryan

You May Feel a Bit of Observations from Infertility's Heart-Wrenching Ride tells the maddening, mysterious story of one woman's unexplained infertility through a spectrum of emotions that will be familiar to each of the millions of women fighting their way to motherhood. From Hope to Shame, Courage to Grief, Disappointment to Dread to Uncertainty, this book, with unflinching honesty, explores the many painful, palpable human truths at the heart of a most common experience we've only scratched the surface of understanding.

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[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.

[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.