u/Dependent_Ad_5341

Hi again, everyone.
I honestly don’t know how many times I’ve posted in this community anymore. I really, really hoped that my next post would be a happy update, but here I am, currently going through my fourth miscarriage in a year.

I thought I did everything right this time.

I did the acupuncture. I took doxycycline for suspected endometritis. I went on prednisone, vaginal progesterone, aspirin, and even tried the whole Claritin/Pepcid protocol. I changed my supplements, my routine, and practically everything I could think of.

And yet, here we are again.

On the bright side (because apparently I’m now someone who looks for silver linings in beta hCG numbers), this pregnancy actually progressed further than my last two.

My first miscarriage reached a beta of around 200. The next two never even made it past 70, with my most recent one before this peaking at just 17.
This time, we made it to 120.

I know that probably sounds ridiculous to celebrate, but when you’ve experienced recurrent early losses, even the smallest improvement feels like something.
My fertility specialist is actually quite optimistic. She believes we may just need to find a different protocol. I’m also seeing a rheumatologist soon to discuss whether there is an immunological component and whether medications such as hydroxychloroquine might be appropriate.

I’m 27. I’ve had four miscarriages in one year. My investigations have largely been normal, apart from a positive KIR/HLA-C-related test. At this point, we’re exploring the possibility that there may be an immune-related component to my recurrent losses.

I’ve also been recommended IVF, but I don’t think we’re quite there yet. Mentally or financially.

My husband and I are both doctors currently in specialty training, and contrary to popular belief, being doctors doesn’t automatically mean we’re swimming in money, especially during residency. 😂

If we do pursue IVF, I want to make sure we’re going somewhere with genuine experience in recurrent pregnancy loss, not just difficulty conceiving. Because getting pregnant doesn’t seem to be our main issue. Staying pregnant is.

Also, a random side note: I recently came across a discussion suggesting that the Claritin/Pepcid protocol might not be as harmless or beneficial as people online make it sound. So that’s another rabbit hole I’m currently exploring.

Anyway, I digress.

I actually wanted to share something more personal, because I think my fear of infertility started long before I ever tried to have a baby.
I grew up in a Middle Eastern family, where having four, five, six, or even seven children isn’t particularly unusual.

My mother only had two. Me and my older sister.
And I say “only” because, in our culture, people sometimes make you feel like two children is practically nothing.

Growing up, I desperately wanted a younger sibling. I remember asking my mother for one, not knowing what she was going through behind the scenes.

It was only when I got older that she started telling me about the fertility appointments, the IUIs, the disappointment, and all the heartbreak she experienced trying to conceive again.

And there I was, a little girl asking her why she couldn’t just give me a baby brother or sister.
Looking back now, my heart breaks for her.
As I got older, her experience became one of my biggest fears.

What if I struggled too?
But I reassured myself. Just because my mother struggled didn’t mean I would, right?
Then my older sister got married.
And she struggled too.
She experienced two pregnancy losses. One of her pregnancies was actually a heterotopic pregnancy, meaning she had both an intrauterine pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy at the same time.

She initially miscarried the intrauterine pregnancy, but weeks later, they discovered that she was still pregnant. Except the remaining pregnancy was ectopic.
She had to undergo methotrexate treatment, and thankfully, her tube didn’t rupture.

I watched her go through all of that, and my fear just grew.

Then came my turn.
I got married, and when we started trying, I got pregnant in our very first month.
Amazing, right?

Except I miscarried.
My biggest fear had officially come true. Congratulations to me. 🥲
Everyone reassured me that miscarriages are common, that I was young, and that I would probably get pregnant again quickly.
And I did!
The very next month.
And then I miscarried again.
Well, fuck.
I was told to take a break, and after that, I didn’t conceive for seven months.

Then I finally got pregnant again.
Miscarried.

Three months later, I got pregnant for the fourth time.
And now I’m miscarrying again.

At this point, I genuinely don’t know whether to laugh, cry, or start charging my uterus rent for all the emotional damage it’s causing me.

I think one of the hardest parts of this entire journey is coming to terms with the fact that I have absolutely no control over it.
I’ve spent my whole life working hard, studying, planning, and believing that if I put enough effort into something, I could achieve it.
And for the most part, that has been true.
But this?

This is the one thing I cannot study harder for. I cannot work more hours for it. I cannot force a better outcome simply because I want it badly enough.

I’m Muslim, and I wholeheartedly believe that everything happens by God’s will.
When He wills for me to become pregnant, I become pregnant. And when I miscarry, I believe that too is within His decree. I genuinely believe that when my time comes, it will happen. But believing that doesn’t make the waiting any less painful.

It doesn’t stop me from wondering why it hasn’t happened yet. Or why I keep getting so close, only to have it taken away. Sometimes I struggle to feel grateful, and then I feel guilty for struggling. It’s such a strange place to be emotionally. To have faith, to believe that things happen for a reason, and still feel completely heartbroken and helpless. And I think that’s what I’m struggling with the most. The loss of control.

Anyway, I think I’ve rambled enough.
I just want to say that I love and hate this community so much. I love the kindness, the support, the women who genuinely understand what this feels like without me having to explain it.

But I hate that any of us have to be here in the first place.
I really thought I was graduating this time.
I thought I’d finally get to write one of those hopeful posts telling everyone that after multiple losses, it finally worked out.

Instead, I guess you’re all stuck with me for a little longer. ❤️

But I promise you, if and when I finally get my rainbow baby, I’m coming straight back here.
Not just to celebrate, but to share every single thing about my journey, what we tried, what worked, what didn’t, and everything I learned along the way.
Because if my experience can help even one woman feel a little less alone, I would want that.

And to anyone reading this who has been through three, four, five, or even more miscarriages and eventually had their baby, please share your story.
I think I could really use a little hope right now.
Sending love to all of you. I hope we all get to graduate from this community someday. ❤️

Honestly, recurrent miscarriage really does taint the experience of being pregnant.

This is my fourth pregnancy. My last pregnancy was only about three months ago and ended in another chemical, and now I feel like I’m watching every single line like a hawk.

I’m currently traveling, so I can’t repeat my bloodwork right now. I also didn’t want to cancel my trip or make my entire life revolve around this pregnancy because I know how consuming that can become. I’m taking my prescribed medications, my supplements, doing everything I reasonably can, and trying to enjoy my travels too.

At around 10 DPO, my beta hCG was only 2.66, even though I had a faint positive FRER, which really threw me off. Two days later, I started seeing a faint line on Premom, even though it had been negative before. Then I saw progression over the next 48 hours.

Of course, because I have absolutely no self-control at this point, I tested again after only 24 hours 😭 and the line wasn’t really better than yesterday. It was still better than it had been 48 hours earlier, but immediately my brain started spiraling again.

I know I shouldn’t be comparing tests every 24 hours. I know urine tests are not quantitative. I know all the rational things.

But after recurrent loss, it is so hard not to cling to every tiny sign of hope.
I just want to enjoy being pregnant without constantly waiting for something to go wrong. I want to rant about it, cry about it, be hopeful about it, and admit that I’m scared.

I just really, really hope this one sticks.
I want to hold my baby.

I wanted to update my original post because I genuinely love and appreciate this community.
We are all on different versions of the same journey, hoping for the same thing: to finally hold our baby in our arms. I want to keep sharing my updates in case they help someone advocate for herself, consider another investigation, or simply feel less alone.

I literally just finished my fertility consultation today, and we may finally have something worth investigating.

My previous doctor felt that, given my three early losses and otherwise normal RPL workup, the most likely explanation could be recurrent aneuploid embryos, with IVF and embryo testing potentially being the next step.

This is actually why I decided to see a fertility specialist.
The fertility specialist had a different perspective.
She explained that at 27, while aneuploid embryos absolutely happen, recurrent aneuploidy would not be her first assumption. She still ordered a comprehensive blood and genetic workup so we can rule things out properly.

The biggest surprise came during my ultrasound.
I have had multiple ultrasounds and even an MRI before, but she performed a very thorough ultrasound with 3D imaging and noticed an abnormality in the shape of my uterine cavity that nobody had previously mentioned.
I am not a gynecologist, so excuse my explanation 😂, but essentially the upper part of the cavity looks more rounded or curved rather than having the expected contour.
She initially considered a septum but does not currently think it is a septate uterus.

One possibility she is considering is adenomyosis or an adenomyosis related abnormality, which could potentially be contributing to my recurrent losses.
Interestingly, I do have painful periods and occasionally need pain medication, but I never considered them abnormal.

The next step is a hysteroscopy to properly assess the uterine cavity and potentially correct or remove anything abnormal if needed. I will also complete the remaining blood and genetic investigations.

The good news is that she said I can continue trying naturally, and IVF is not automatically my next step.
If I become pregnant again, we also discussed closer early pregnancy support with vaginal progesterone and low dose aspirin, with possible Clexane and steroids depending on my results and what is clinically indicated.

So I still do not have a diagnosis, and adenomyosis is only a possibility at this point. But after three losses and thinking my next step might automatically be IVF, I finally feel like there is another avenue worth investigating.
I will keep updating this post as I get answers. I know how many times I have searched Reddit looking for someone with a story similar to mine, so if sharing mine helps even one person ask another question or feel less alone, it is worth it.https://www.reddit.com/r/recurrentmiscarriage/s/RAgv8w6w12

We are all trying to get to the same place. Maybe not today, but I truly believe that eventually we will hold our babies in our arms. ❤️

There is one driving habit that I genuinely cannot understand.
I drive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi almost every day. If I’m doing 140 km/h and I see someone coming up behind me even faster, I move over. Not because I have to, and not because I’m intimidated, but because that’s basic driving etiquette. They pass, I move back when it’s safe, and everyone continues on their way.

So why doesn’t everyone think the same way?

What frustrates me is that some drivers aren’t even driving fast. They’re doing around 120–130 km/h in the left lane and refuse to move. You can tell from a distance that they’re not keeping up with the flow. You flash or indicate that you’d like to pass, and they simply ignore you. Eventually, you’re forced to overtake from another lane, and somehow you’re the one taking the risk.

Today’s drive was the perfect example:
A driver ahead of me refused to move over even though they weren’t matching my speed. I eventually found a safe opportunity to pass and carried on. A few minutes later, they accelerated between speed cameras, caught up to me, overtook me, and moved back in front of me. I honestly don’t understand the point.

If you were happy driving at your original speed, why speed up just to get back in front of me? I wasn’t blocking you. I wasn’t slowing you down. I simply wanted to continue at my own pace after passing.

Another thing I wish people would do: if you see a faster car approaching from a distance, don’t wait until it’s right behind you before deciding to change lanes. I’ve had too many moments where I’ve had to brake hard from 140 to around 120 because someone waited until the last second to move over instead of doing it earlier when there was plenty of space.

One interesting thing I’ve noticed is that in Abu Dhabi, drivers seem less likely to move if you flash your headlights, but they’re much more likely to give way if you simply use your left indicator. Maybe it’s just my experience, but I’ve noticed it enough times to change what I do.

At the end of the day, this isn’t really about speed.
It’s about courtesy. If someone wants to drive faster than you, just let them pass. It doesn’t slow you down, it doesn’t affect your journey, and it makes the road a lot safer and less stressful for everyone.

It honestly breaks my heart that there are so many of us in this community. If you’re going through recurrent pregnancy loss, I just want you to know you’re not alone. Reading other people’s stories has made me feel less isolated, so I wanted to share mine in case it helps someone else.

Background:
Me: 27F
Husband: 28M
Both healthy, non-smokers, no alcohol.
No previous sexual partners for either of us.
I was on contraception for about a year.
I do think stress has probably played a role for me. Residency has been incredibly demanding, and while I know stress alone doesn’t usually cause recurrent miscarriage, I can’t help but wonder if it has contributed in some way.

Our journey:
Conceived the month after stopping contraception → chemical pregnancy.
Initial β-hCG was around 250, then unfortunately miscarried.
Conceived immediately after that → another chemical pregnancy.
Peak β-hCG was 67.
Took one cycle off TTC and completed a recurrent pregnancy loss workup.

Everything came back normal: TSH, prolactin, antiphospholipid antibodies, and thrombophilia screen.
Then TTC for another 7 months (tracked ovulation for the last 3 months) and finally conceived again this month… which unfortunately also ended as a chemical pregnancy.
This pregnancy’s highest β-hCG was only 17.
One thing I keep thinking about is why my first pregnancy seemed to implant much better than the following two. I know β-hCG isn’t a perfect marker and every pregnancy is different, but it’s hard not to notice the trend.

This last cycle:
Baby aspirin (I’ve been taking it continuously for the past 3 months).
Oral progesterone 10 mg twice daily starting from my positive pregnancy test.
Supplements: Premom prenatal, ubiquinol, and omega-3.

What’s next:
I’ve just started doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 2 weeks. I know this isn’t the standard approach for everyone, but I was able to get a prescription where I live without needing an endometrial biopsy or seeing a fertility specialist first, and I’m genuinely grateful for that. The plan is to TTC again after treatment, and hopefully this will be our sticky baby.
I also have an appointment with a fertility specialist soon to discuss whether there are any additional investigations or treatments worth pursuing, and I’ll update this post as our journey continues.

One thing that really frustrates me is the statistics. We’re often told that around 80–90% of couples with recurrent pregnancy loss will eventually have a successful pregnancy, even without a clear diagnosis or specific intervention. While that’s reassuring on paper, it also means many of us may never know whether it was the treatment, whether the intervention truly helped, or whether it was simply luck. I find that incredibly difficult.
I’m also a physician, which honestly makes this experience both easier and harder. I understand the evidence, I understand the limitations of medicine, and I know why many recommendations are what they are. But I’m also the patient desperately hoping the next pregnancy is different. Seeing it from both sides really sucks.

To everyone reading this: I’m so sorry you’re part of this community. None of us wanted to be here, but I’m grateful we have each other.
I truly hope the next update I post is a happy one—for me and for all of you.

Yesterday (FMU) I got a shadow on Premom and a faint positive on First Response. Because I’ve had previous chemical pregnancies and already had progesterone prescribed by my doctor, I started taking it as soon as I saw the positive.
Today (again FMU, about 24 hours later), the Premom is completely stark white and the First Response still has a very faint line, but it’s definitely lighter than yesterday.
Has anyone had this happen and gone on to have a successful pregnancy? Or is this more likely to be a chemical pregnancy? I know false positives are uncommon, especially since I saw something on multiple tests yesterday. Is there still a chance the hCG could climb and tomorrow’s test be darker, or does a lighter line after 24 hours usually point toward a chemical? I’d love to hear others’ experiences.

Both literally just launched and I need help making a final decision.

My background:
I'm switching FROM an Apple Watch; not abandoning it entirely. I'll still use my Apple Watch for workouts and recorded activity, but I don't want to wear it daily. I want a ring for everyday wear, something lighter and more discreet.

My priorities:

1. Step counting / pedometer accuracy (this is my #1)
2. Sleep tracking
3. Cycle tracking — I'm TTC, so this is a genuine bonus, not just a nice-to-have

Why I was originally leaning RingConn Gen 3:
- No subscription fee (though honestly this isn't a dealbreaker for me)
- Price point is lower ($349 vs $399 + subscription)
- Was known as the more accurate step counter based on independent testing
- Thinner and lighter design

Why I'm now reconsidering and leaning Oura Ring 5:
- Oura just released their Ring 5 which is now significantly thinner so the design gap has closed
- Oura launched a "Real Steps" algorithm update making it a true machine-learning pedometer, so the step accuracy gap vs RingConn may have closed too
- Oura integrates with Clue, Flo, Natural Cycles — which matters a lot for TTC
- Oura is far more established with third-party app integrations overall
- Being based in the Middle East, Oura feels like the safer choice more established brand, better international support, available on Amazon.

RingConn has no retail presence here and customer service reviews are mixed for international buyers

This is my FIRST ring — I want something reliable with solid support if something goes wrong

My actual question:
Is Oura Ring 5's step tracking now genuinely competitive with RingConn Gen 3? Because if the accuracy gap is closed, Oura wins for me on every other factor. Or is RingConn still meaningfully better for steps?

Would love to hear from anyone who's used both, especially if you're in the Middle East or TTC. Thanks!

I’m in the market for a smart ring and wanted opinions from people who’ve actually used them long term.

Main reason: I want to stop wearing my Apple Watch 24/7 and start wearing my actual watches more often. I realized I mainly use the Apple Watch for notifications and step tracking anyway, and honestly the constant notifications can get distracting.

I still care about activity tracking though. I like keeping an eye on my steps (usually aiming for at least 6k daily, more on active days), and I’ll probably still use my Apple Watch during workouts/exercise.

What I’m looking for:
Good step tracking
Comfortable for smaller hands/fingers
Looks nice/feminine enough to wear daily
Decent health tracking without becoming obsessive
Cycle tracking is a plus since I’m TTC
Preferably no subscription or at least something that still works well without one

I’ve looked at the Oura ring and don’t mind it aesthetically if it’s genuinely worth it, but the subscription model annoys me a bit. I already pay for enough apps/services as it is.

I’m not interested in Whoop because I specifically do NOT want another thing on my wrist.

For people who switched from an Apple Watch to a smart ring:
Did you miss anything?
Did the step tracking feel accurate enough?
Any regrets?
Any rings you’d recommend over Oura?

PS I only just came to know about the existence of other rings

Would especially love input from women using them more casually/lifestyle-wise rather than hardcore fitness tracking.

Hi everyone,
I wanted to get some opinions because something feels off this cycle.
I track my cycles pretty closely. Ovulation was confirmed with OPK and ultrasound, so I’m confident about timing. I also tested multiple times leading up to my period and everything was negative.
My period ended up coming exactly on the day it was predicted. The flow has been medium (not super light, not unusually heavy), and I only had cramping on the first day.
But the weird part is… I feel constantly hot. Like noticeably warmer than usual, to the point where both my husband and I picked up on it. This is NOT something I normally experience.

I’m trying to understand:
Is there any realistic chance of pregnancy with a normal-timing period and negative tests?
Has anyone experienced feeling unusually warm like this during a non-pregnant cycle?

I will be seeing the Dr soon but I wanted to hear opinions