More About Me
My journey to motherhood exposed a gap in women's healthcare I couldn't ignore.
I'm Dr. Laura Costello,
I'm Dr. Laura Costello, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, author, and founder of The Pretrimester. I've spent two decades working in women's health, but navigating infertility as a patient changed the way I understand what women need from their healthcare.
For years, I lived with symptoms of endometriosis and adenomyosis that were dismissed as "normal." By the time I understood what was happening, my path to motherhood had become one of surgeries, fertility treatments, IVF, and pregnancy loss. We spent tens of thousands of dollars chasing answers that always seemed to come too late.
It took six years to welcome our son. We spent another four years hoping to grow our family, experiencing more heartbreak and loss along the way.
Beyond the difficulty of those years, what stayed with me was how often I found myself searching for answers, making tough choices, and wishing I'd had better guidance from the beginning.
Changing the Conversation
We spend years learning how to avoid pregnancy, yet when we're ready to have a family, we're often expected to figure out what comes next on our own. Too often, the conversation about fertility begins only after something goes wrong.
Women shouldn't have to learn about their fertility the hard way.
That's why I founded The Pretrimester, wrote PRETRIMESTER, and created the resources I wish I'd had. My mission is to help shift women's reproductive healthcare from reactive to proactive, giving women the knowledge, resources, and support to understand their options, make informed decisions, and have a stronger voice in their own care.
To me, preparation isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about understanding your body, asking better questions, and taking informed action.
I want women to feel prepared for what's ahead without having to put the rest of their lives on hold.
Beyond My Work
Outside of work, I'm a wife and mom, and spending time with my family is one of my greatest joys. After everything it took to have our son, being present for the everyday moments with him is something I never take for granted.
I've always loved being active and learning about how the body works. I grew up playing sports and went on to study exercise physiology with a minor in strength and conditioning in college. These days, I enjoy strength training, Pilates, getting outside for a hike, or spending a summer day on the lake.
I'm also a perpetual student. You'll often find me listening to a podcast or with my nose buried in a book. My faith is an important part of who I am, and I'm always looking for ways to keep learning and growing.
