I want to share what I went through because I know it helped me to hear from others who went through their own experiences. I do not pretend to think that because I went through this situation that I understand anyone else’s situation. We all have our own experiences and we handle those experiences differently. If you have gone through something like a miscarriage or difficulty conceiving, I can promise you you are not alone. There is someone else who has experienced this hardship too. And you are never alone because Jesus promised He will always be with you. And Jesus will bring you through this. In John 16:33 Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Review of natural family planning charts when we were “not, not trying:” how we identified our fertile window, peak days, times of intercourse. If you want to learn more about the Marquette Method of natural family planning, take my class: www.nfppharmacist.com/resources. The Marquette Method of natural family planning helped us know exactly when to try to achieve pregnancy, when I ovulated, and when to expect my next period.
A note on days of intimacy - the timing does not always work out when you want it to!

-Urine pregnancy tests detect hCG, a hormone produced by a fertilized egg that has implanted, and are most likely to be positive on the day of an expected period
-My first positive pregnancy test was on a Sunday and then I started bleeding on the following Thursday
-Trust your gut and advocate for yourself. If you think something is not right, even if your doctor or practitioner has told you that you are probably fine, speak up for yourself.
-God can do miracles, but that doesn’t mean He will every time. He doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we would like him too.
-Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is generally defined as the loss of a pregnancy in the first trimester
-Miscarriage is a broader term, generally defined as the loss of a pregnancy in the first or second trimester
-The incidence of EPL is as high as 31%. The true incidence is difficult to determine as many losses are not recognized.
-Risk factors for EPL: age >35 years, prior pregnancy loss, or certain medical conditions in the mother or father
-Previous episodes related to taking care of your health before pregnancy:
Episode 59: Preconception health - featuring Dr. Liz Berg, DC, LC
Episode 36: Nourished for Life - featuring Kristen Jensen, RD
Episode 16: Self-care to Reduce Stress and Balance Hormones with Dr. Heather Rhodes
-Exposure to toxins, pollutants, and other environmental factors may also increase the risk of EPL
-Previous episodes related to removing or avoiding these harms:
Episode 64: Tuning into what your body really needs - brain integration, nutrition response testing, and more - featuring Anita Bastian
Episode 60: Limiting exposure to endocrine disruptors to optimize your hormone health - featuring Courtney Warday, RD
Episode 53: Safer Skincare - featuring Helen Helgeson, Crunchi advocate
Episode 47: Opening your body’s channels with acupuncture - featuring Brianna Kraus, Full Circle acupuncture
Episode 44: Balance and support your hormones with herbal remedies - featuring Phyllis Jaworski, herbal practitioner at Sacred Ibis Botanicals
Episode 22: - Thrive with a Functional Medicine Approach to Health - Interview with Dr. Melody Hartzler
-Women with EPL are likely to have subsequent normal pregnancies.
-Episode 51: A restorative approach to fertility - featuring Nora Pope and Dr. Jessica Liu, ND

I am never going to say this was a good thing that happened, but I believe Romans 8:28 that says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I believe our bad situation can be used for good.

What did you think? I want to hear from you!
Email me: emily@nfppharmacist.com
Instagram: @nfppharmacist
Facebook: NFP Pharmacist