Experiencing a miscarriage is a scary and painful time, filled with a rollercoaster of emotions — sadness, fear, loneliness — plus all those uncomfortable and often unfamiliar physical symptoms, like blood clots.  The presence of blood clots, particularly very large ones, can trigger feelings of worry and anxiety. And if you’re unfamiliar with what to expect during a miscarriage, this adds another layer of confusion and concern. We’ve talked with Massachusetts-based physician Jessica Ryniec, MD, a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, to help you understand what's normal or not when it comes to blood clots...

So, you’re finally ready to start a family: You’ve checked all of the boxes that fit into your plan, whether that’s a committed relationship or secure finances (or both!). There's nothing left to do but try to conceive!Cut to about six months later, and your at-home pregnancy tests are still negative. The last thing you had on your TTC bingo card was infertility, but here we are. There’s no sugarcoating the fact that infertility sucks, but it is quite common. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 5 (19%) of married women are unable...

At-home hormone testing kits are trending, and it’s easy to see why. These convenient kits ship right to your doorstep so you can check your hormone levels without even leaving the couch. Plus, they’re way more affordable than a trip to a fertility clinic.   While at-home testing can give you some insight into what’s going on with your hormones, knowing your levels is only one piece of the puzzle. It's about nourishing your body inside and out, taking care of your mental health, staying informed with reliable information, and building a support team that’s got your...

Using donor eggs is a wonderful way to make the dream of growing your family a reality, but the process can be overwhelming. From finding the perfect donor match to navigating medical appointments and procedures, it can be tough emotionally, financially, and logistically.  So what should you expect? Because the donor egg timeline varies, be ready for a journey that requires patience, planning, and a whole lot of love — but we know you can handle it. The donor egg process, step-by-step Finding an agency and matching with an egg donor If you’re thinking about using...

People can grow their families in some remarkable ways, thanks to science. While some families may turn to sperm donation, IVF, or gestational carriers, others find that using donor eggs is the path for them. There are examples of families who turn to donor eggs everywhere. For instance, celebrities like Lance Bass and Barbara Corcoran have opened up about their donor egg journeys. We’ve teamed up with Donor Egg Bank USA™, a leading frozen donor egg bank since 2012, to answer some of your top questions about egg donation, what to expect from a donor egg...

Pregnancy can be a time of immense joy, but it can also be accompanied by intense worry and anxiety, especially for those who have experienced loss before. In the digital age, we have access to various online tools designed to provide information and reassurance. One such resource that has gained popularity is the Miscarriage Reassurer. But what exactly is this tool, and should expectant parents rely on it? Let's dive in, so you can manage your expectations as best as possible during pregnancy.  What is the Miscarriage Reassurer? The Miscarriage Reassurer, developed by Datayze, is an...

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has become an increasingly popular option for people with ovaries looking to preserve their fertility. Whether you're focusing on your career, haven't found the right partner, or are facing medical challenges, egg freezing offers a way to potentially extend your reproductive lifecycle. But like any medical procedure, it's important to be well-informed before making this life-altering decision. Now let's explore the key questions you should ask before embarking on your egg freezing journey.  What's your fertility status? Before diving into the egg freezing process, it's crucial to understand your...

Finding out your pregnancy is nonviable can be one of the most devastating experiences for an intended parent. Adding to this pain are the multiple — and sometimes confusing — ways pregnancy loss can manifest in the first place. Words like “miscarriage,” “spontaneous abortion,” and “early pregnancy loss” tend to be used interchangeably to describe a nonviable pregnancy within the first 12 weeks. But there’s another term that’s also synonymous with pregnancy loss called a chemical pregnancy that denotes a specific type of early miscarriage. So, what is a chemical pregnancy? “A chemical or biochemical pregnancy is a...

Embarking on a fertility journey can be an emotional rollercoaster filled with hope, anticipation, and, sometimes, disappointment. As you navigate this challenging path, it's crucial to prioritize self-care and find ways to nurture your mental and emotional well-being. Meditation is a powerful tool that can help you maintain emotional balance and resilience during this time.  Let's explore how mindfulness and meditation can support you on your fertility journey and provide some practical tips to get you started. The importance of self-care during a fertility journey "Navigating a fertility journey can be incredibly taxing, filled with highs...

Practicing meditation when on a fertility journey can be hugely beneficial in helping to reduce stress, manage uncertainty, and nurture your body and mind as you prepare for parenthood. Practices like the Body Scan meditation, self-compassion practices, and visualization techniques like Loving Kindness mean you're not only caring for your mental health but also creating a positive environment for pregnancy to occur. Now, let’s explore the (many) benefits of meditation for your fertility journey as well as expert tips for incorporating mindfulness into your day-to-day life.  The power of mindfulness in fertility At its core, mindfulness...