Dec19/Jan20 IVF Graduates

[BambiOnIce80]

Graduate thread for all the amazing ladies who have endured infertility and are hopefully now starting a new chapter🤞

@Littlelot @Viletta @candycornlover @FlapJackered @Wimbledon1

I got my BFP on Tuesday the 28th and am feeling pretty symptom free today (so obviously panicking that it's all going wrong! 😣). 7 week scan due to be Tuesday the 18th and it feels like a long way away with symptoms going awol! 😥 POAS this morning and it looks spot on for where I should be, so trying to take some comfort from that 🤞🤞🤞

@Viletta I am so with you on the progesterone! 12 weeks can't come soon enough! Are you going to wean off it or just go cold turkey?
I have had my booking appointment but not met my actual midwife yet. I had to decide which hospital I wanted to give birth at but that was it really.

@QuantumGirl it's good to know I am not alone in the bloat!
I try to drink 3 litres a day, I haven't done very well in the last few days though.

@Littlelot good to hear from you. Sorry to hear you have been feeling rough, although good to know it wasn't Corona!
It's crazy the schools have been closed, I am just worried it will mean all the kids will go and hang out in the parks and the street instead which doesn't really solve things. 🤷‍♀️
Good idea re the bath! I have been avoiding baths as I get worried about the heat, but I might have one now I have heard you are. I miss them!

My mum is killing me, she is 69 and my Dad is 70 and she is acting like nothing has changed in the world 🤦‍♀️ she thinks it's all one big overreaction and then is talking of visiting my 94 year old gran! Trying to talk some sense into her. I have told her she needs to start listening to what the government is saying if she wants us to visit. 🙈

@FlapJackered I have the same regarding my parents, apparently it's a babyboomer thing 😂 Nice read about it on the NewYorker:
www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/convincing-boomer-parents-to-take-the-coronavirus-seriously

@FlapJackered I misread the clinic email that said to wean off at 9w and finish during week 10. So I lowered my dose half to 200mg of progesterone on week 9. Then a week later I realized the meant weeks from conception so double checked and they said to wean off on week 11 and stop in 7 days. I think I'll wean off further and sop very soon. There were studies showing no difference what so ever between weaning off and going cold turkey for mother's meatball health they suggest weaning off. I find it sounds more natural to gradually stop but within a short time. It sounds funny but I can feel I don't need the meds any longer, especially after good scan. Also happy that couple of days after I stop I'll have my 12w scan.

@Viletta I’ve had my first midwife appointment. She only briefly mentioned that we’d go through birth plan in future, but did ask me if I knew where I’d like to give birth.

I’ve had a permanent headache for last week. Trying do drink as much as possible xx

Hi, sorry I have been quiet lately as well, there's a lot going on as we started working from home yesterday and had to set up everything, it wasn't as simple as we thought. Now both me and DH are WFH, so the risk of me catching this is thankfully very low.
We are lucky as my BFF was sent home and told to use her vacation days for the next two weeks (imagine that's not exactly how she was hoping to spend her holiday..), but she says she is still considering herself lucky as others were sent on unpaid leave or even worse, made redundant :(
I had my midwife appointment on Tuesday, found out they don't tell us the gender of the baby at our local hospital even if we want to know, that was a bit surprising. Also was told we get a Down syndrome scan, but they don't offer the Nuchal Translucency scan. I got a bit confused by that as I thought these two are combined.? I asked why and she couldn't answer so this visit really left me with more questions than answers.
The 12 weeks scan is booked for the 10th of April, so 12+1 that I am happy with, but I was hoping to squeeze in an additional private scan for this weekend, however DH said we shouldn't. It's a tough one as I really wanted to go, but I understand under the current circumstances it's best to stay in.
I am the same with water since WFH it's a lot more difficult as in the office I had my routine, so need to pay more attention.
Hope you are all staying safe and getting plenty of fruit and veg, try to remember our most important goal is to provide the little ones with everything they need even now as much as we can. :)

We decided not to have a private scan either now for the same reason @Lily999.

I’m feeling quite upset tonight because I heard (from a midwife friend of friend) that partners are unlikely to be allowed in to scans for next couple of months. I totally understand why - it will essentially halve the risk of people bringing virus into antenatal facilities. But the thought of getting good or bad news without him being there is so sad 😢. I guess we all have to do tough things over coming months xx

@Chooklass is that a friend from your hospital? I have just check the website of my hospital and there is a note on Coronavirus and saying that only one person can join for the appointment. So I think some hospitals are still allowing partners at the moment?
I would find it really hard if DH couldn't come with me as I am absolutely terrified it will be bad news.

@Lily999 good to hear from you! That is great you are set up to work from home. I feel really sorry for the people who are pregnant and can't work from home as it's not easy to get the time off is it.
That is really unusual your hospital doesn't offer NT, I just looked at NHS and they say it is part of the trisonomy test at 12 weeks.
Could your midwife have misunderstood what you were asking?
We decided against the extra scan too, it does put more pressure on the 12 week scan but I just keep telling myself it won't change the outcome.

@Viletta good thinking! I am a bit nervous to stop before the scan next week, so I might go down to 2 a day now then one after the scan.

@GoldenCloud that article is so accurate! It is like role reversal! My mum is definitely the weak link in the global fight against Coronavirus 😂🤦‍♀️ She does seem to be starting to get the message now slowly! 🙈

Hey everyone, re: progesterone my clinic put very specific dosage reductions. I’m currently on 3x 200mg Utrogestan per day until the end of week 10. This is reduced to 2 per day until the end of week 11. Then 1 per day until the end of week 12. I hope that helps 😊

My clinic advise is to carry on the same dosage until week 12. Is anyone else put off by the smell of utrogestan? 🤢

@QuantumGirl they do smell awful especially after being in during the night. I also noticed they sometimes come out a bit greenish. I'm sure this whole thing triggered a bac vaginosis for me. I was hoping to get a home swap test from my midwife today but she cancelled our appointment and is in self isolation atm. I'm finishing my hormones tomorrow at the first day of week 12 as per my clinic advice and will see if my flora gets back to normal.

Hi everyone, I was hoping to be more active this weekend, wanted to do some painting and walk the dog. Instead sitting at home, eating rubbish and feeling to tiered. I had crisps and ice cream today! What the heck. How's everyone else doing?

Hi @Viletta I’ve had a lazy weekend too! My appetite has been crazy today - constantly hungry. I think I can feel my uterus now, kind of a hard area in lower abdomen - quite excited when I noticed in shower! X

@Viletta I have been so tired all week and it has felt like I have been in bed for a lot of it! But yesterday I actually had some energy so (a grumpy) DH and I cleaned the house and walked the dog. It was nuts though as we went to a place we normally don't see a soul and there were SO many people! I guess it's one of the few things people are allowed to do!
Healthy eating has gone completely to pot this week though 🤦‍♀️

@Chooklass I am jealous you can feel your uterus, I have been giving it a good poke and nothing! 🤷‍♀️ I hope that's not a bad sign 😕

Happy Sunday! Finally the Sun is shining, hope you are all having a great weekend :)

@FlapJackered I saw that too on the NHS website, however it says that for England and I am in Scotland, so not that straightforward.... No, she didn't misunderstand me as there were boxes to tick next to the scans and she ticked Down syndrome but left NT empty, that's why I asked about that specifically. She said it's not a trisomy test here, only the Down syndrome test. @Chooklass and @twinkleyes35, did they give you any info on that?

I am getting a bit nervous about this situation to be honest. I keep hearing this will last until the end of the year meaning potentially during and even after our due dates. I am worried about the potential food shortage as we need the vitamins and nutrients now more than ever. You can put some mixed veg and fruit in your freezer but it's definitely not gonna cut it if we need to "figure it out" for months.

We also went to the beach yesterday for a long walk and it was lovely, then DH went in to the shop to buy food and made me sit in the car. Then he called me from inside and we had a video chat when I told him what to buy :D The new normal I guess..?

You’ve got me wondering @Lily999 - I’m not sure now 🤔. I’d assumed I was getting all those relevant tests!

I’d be surprised if we don’t have some food shortages but not enough to make us unhealthy. E.g. certain types of imported veg might be scarcer. Do you have a garden? We’re going to grow more veg this year.

@FlapJackered I think it will depend on your uterus shape? I’m sure I was told mine tilts forward, and I think that means I’m likely to show earlier. I’m working at home now so at least I don’t need to worry about hiding my belly anymore! 🥳

So far stores have plenty of fresh fruit and veg. They don't last long and it seems people are stockpiling on durable cupboard food. I realized I have had any meat for more than a month, tried to buy some chicken but shops are all out... had prawns instead for some protein. I'm normally a vegetarian.

Has anyone else been craving sweet stuff?

@Chooklass we’re planning on growing quite a lot this year and planted a few fruit trees in the autumn that we got on sale at a garden centre that was closing down near us - hoping for lots of yummy plums, pears and apples later in the year. Getting paranoid seeing all the neighbourhood cats wandering through the garden though. So have new gardening gloves and all veg will be scrubbed before eating.

My hospital is still allowing partners to scans but now school is out I think dh will have to stay home with ds. So scared it’ll be bad news and I’ll be on my own. Tempted to make the pair of them drive me there and then wait in the car for me. I have no reason to think it’ll be bad news I’m still very nauseous and beginning to get heartburn of an evening 🙄 which is what happened 8yrs who with ds - the morning sickness stopped and then unbelievable heartburn kicked in!

Also not sure how this is possible given we’ve been self isolating for over a week but I’ve managed to get tonsillitis! Spent today in bed! NHS does say i should be over it pretty quick though so fingers crossed all gone before my scan 🤞.

How’s everyone coping at home? Realised how lucky I am that I have a dh and ds I adore spending time with!

@Littlelot we have a little sought facing garden and it's a blessing! Jealous of your fruit trees! What a brilliant idea! I love having DH at home and having work lunches together. Also my dog is very pleased to have both of us and having daily day walks.

@FlapJackered @Lily999 my scan is tomorrow, I'll ask them about trisomy and NT. Luckily DH is still allowed so far no cases in our hospital. The midwife asked to book a double slot for 16w as she cancelled earlier. I wonder if they are going to check my urine tomorrow as it hasn't been checked so far.

@Viletta good luck today!! Keeping everything crossed it all goes well. 🤞

@Littlelot I am so jealous of your fruit trees and garden, we have a pokey north-facing garden in a city so sadly no veg!
I am feeling a bit claustrophobic already with the restrictions. Not that I actually go out loads normally 😂 I do see my family and friends quite a bit normally and I already miss seeing them. It's tough. DH and I are both self-employed so quite used to it just being us two in the house.
I am just slightly worried as it's so busy in all the shops and parks here, I have a feeling I am going to get it at some point 😕

@Lily999 ah I see, could you get it done privately if you're worried? I know the cost isn't great, but if it gives you peace of mind it is worth it?
It is very worrying, I have made myself stop looking at the news as I was getting far too anxious about it. Hopefully even if it is still around when we give birth it will have done it's worst and won't be such a threat.
I think the worst will be over the next month or so, so I am just trying to focus on getting through that. 😬

Hi everyone, was just checking-in to wish you luck today with your scan @Viletta. As you had a good one a week ago hopefully you are feeling positive about it all?

Also wanted to check you ladies all saw this which was published as a new update at the weekend? I found it comforting:

www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/

Includes a reference to keeping people with you at an appointment to a minimum, nothing about banning OHs. So I think we should be ok for the next few weeks at least.

@Littlelot sorry to hear about the tonsillitis, absolutely hate having that. Hope you feel better soon. And hope everyone else is managing to keep sane in these crazy circumstances xx

Best of luck with your scan today @Viletta ❤️❤️

Good luck today @Viletta! Thanks for asking about the NT scan!

Girls, just received an email from my boss that made me cry, it's so sweet:
Just wanted to “touch base” and check all is ok with you? Obviously it’s a scary and worrying time for everyone at the moment, regardless, however it must be extra worrying for someone in your position. Obviously couldn’t mention it on the team call, but do extra mindful of undue stress / pressure etc and if you feel you’re getting too swamped let me know and I can reallocate work to someone else in the team. Know you won’t be but don’t go taking any unnecessary risks, etc, and make sure Hubby looks after you!!

Thanks @Wimbledon1 for the article, it is very useful!
@FlapJackered I wouldn't mind paying for it if it's really an important screening, but I don't feel I know enough to decide so need to do my research. I am 34, does it have to do something with the age?

Yes, the stores have fruit and veg at the moment, but these were produced before COVID , so what I am worried about is more for the second half of the year when product from this period will be affected.

I agree, listening to the news is quite scary, especially the predictions of how long this will last, so @Chooklass it is a great idea to plant, we do have a garden, but can also rent plots around here, so that's something else to consider.

@Littlelot hope you are feeling better, did you get any meds at all or just curing yourself at home?

Hi there, the ultrasound went well, the nuc is 1.2. Baby is about 55mm top to bottom. He was so wiggly in the beginning and then turned away and she said looked like he felt asleep. So cute! Funny enough I didn't realize they were taking my age at the time of the freeze, so I'm 32 again for today! I've asked and they said they are testing for 3 anomalies, down, patau and edwards and also do papp-a.

Got a flu jab as well btw

@Viletta so pleased you had a good scan! We definitely need good news at the moment. You must be over the moon. X