Infertility and miscarriage are more common than we realize, and we need to talk about it. Whether it's interviews with experts or a deep dive into a reproducti...
Ep 114 Signs of Early Pregnancy: How Soon Can You Know
Are you in the dreaded two-week wait and wondering what symptoms to look for? How can you tell the difference between early pregnancy signs and normal cycle symptoms? What are the most common mistakes people make when testing for pregnancy too early? In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is easing your uncertainty around the two-week wait, explaining the early signs of pregnancy and how they relate to different phases of the menstrual cycle. She explains the role of progesterone, potential implantation symptoms, and what to expect during this time. Dr. Shahine also shares the biggest misconceptions about detecting pregnancy early and provides expert advice on the best ways to test accurately. Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of their body, practical tips for symptom interpretation, and the reasons it’s so important to consult a medical professional for guidance. In this episode you’ll hear: [1:10] Understanding the menstrual cycle [3:02] Recognizing early pregnancy signs [6:00] Common mistakes [9:13] Closing thoughts Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
--------
10:01
Ep 113 IVF Timeline: How Long Does it REALLY take?
How long does the IVF process take from start to finish? What are the key stages involved in egg freezing versus embryo creation? What factors can influence the overall timeline to pregnancy? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Laura Shahine breaks down the IVF process and its timeline, to help you navigate this complex journey. She explains the four main stages of IVF: the compliance checklist, preparation for stimulation, the stimulation cycle, and for those pursuing embryo creation, the embryo transfer stage. There are some factors that impact the timeline. So it’s important to understand clinic availability and protocols, set realistic expectations, and do some financial and medical preparations. You can’t really “plan” much during IVF, but this episode can at least help you with a realistic timeline. In this episode you’ll hear: [0:48] Understanding the IVF process [2:07] Compliance checklist [6:37] Preparation phase [8:41] Stimulation cycle [11:31] Embryo transfer and final steps [16:14] Factors that impact the timeline [17:35] Clinic policies and timing [22:04] Keeping your expectations realistic Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
--------
23:17
Ep 112 Top Tips to Boost Your Egg Quality
Are you wondering how to improve your egg quality for better fertility outcomes? What impact do toxins, stress, and lifestyle choices have on reproductive health? And how can you take proactive steps without feeling overwhelmed or restricted? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down five actionable steps to support and improve egg quality. She explains the role of limiting harmful toxins (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana) and reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors (BPA and phthalates). She also highlights the importance of managing stress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and considering antioxidant-rich supplements to support reproductive health. This episode will give listeners a clear understanding of what egg quality is, why it matters, and how age and other factors influence fertility. You will hear practical, science-backed strategies for enhancing your reproductive health AND learn how to balance the journey with joy and flexibility. In this episode you’ll hear: [0:46] Understanding egg quality [1:21] Factors affecting egg quality [7:30] 5 Tips to improve egg quality [12:35] Supplements are important [14:27] A little encouragement Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
--------
16:45
Ep 111 Ten Types of Miscarriage and Why it Matters
Did you know there are ten types of miscarriage?! What are they? When it comes to a loss, does it really matter what kind of miscarriage you’ve experienced? (Hint: yes it does.) And how can proper diagnosis and evaluation help those facing recurrent miscarriages? In this episode, Dr. Shahine breaks down the ten different types of miscarriage, including early and late, clinical and biochemical, threatened, missed, inevitable, complete, septic, and recurrent miscarriages. She shares the information from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine on recurrent pregnancy loss and discusses the importance of proper evaluation for those who have experienced multiple losses. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the causes of miscarriage, the importance of proper medical care, and the reassurance that pregnancy loss is never the fault of the person experiencing it. This episode provides knowledge, empathy, and practical guidance for those facing the heartbreak of pregnancy loss. In this episode you’ll hear: [1:51] Understanding miscarriage [2:33] Emotional impact and misconceptions of pregnancy loss [4:07 ] Detailed breakdown of miscarriage types Timing-Based Miscarriage Types Clinical vs. Biochemical Miscarriages Labels and Descriptions of Miscarriages Recurrent Miscarriage [17:42] Conclusion & final thoughts Resources mentioned: Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Not Broken Illustrated: A Gift for Those Who Have Suffered Pregnancy Loss Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
--------
19:22
Ep 110 How Air Quality Affects Your Fertility and What You Can Do About It
How does air pollution impact fertility and IVF success rates? What do recent studies reveal about the effects of wildfire smoke on reproductive health? What can you do to improve the air quality in your home to support fertility? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Lora Shahine shares the latest research on air pollution and fertility. She talks about how environmental toxins, especially from wildfires and poor air quality, can influence reproductive health. Dr. Shahine sheds light on why controlled environments are essential in IVF labs and how similar principles can be applied at home. Listeners will walk away with 10 actionable tips to improve their indoor environment. Tips include choosing the right air filters and minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants. Listen and share! No matter the stage we’re in, we could all use cleaner air to breathe. In this episode you’ll hear: [:36] Wildfires & air quality [2:06] Air quality research & IVF success [4:38] Studies on air pollution & fertility [7:17] Male factor & air quality [9:22] Improving air quality in your environment [10:59] 10 tips to improve air quality in your home [14:03] Closing thoughts Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Infertility and miscarriage are more common than we realize, and we need to talk about it. Whether it's interviews with experts or a deep dive into a reproductive health topic, every week on the Baby or Bust Fertility podcast, your host, Dr. Lora Shahine, gets real about education, emotional support, and shared fertility experiences. Listen now and learn how to advocate for your own care or support your loved ones with infertility, miscarriage, and early pregnancy.
Baby Or Bust is produced by Bray's Run Production and Audiotocracy Podcast Production in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
![Podcast Sliced Bread](https://za.radio.net/podcast-images/175/sliced-bread3.jpeg?version="c7bfb1e4a5c76d25af9c6bd4acedf32d")
South Africa