IVF graduates due Summer 2021

[SpyroC]

A place for those of us finally moving on from the infertility boards to share feelings, questions, tmi and to generally support each other.

@ivfjourney5 its nerve wracking isn't it. Good plan staying at your mum's. When do you have your scan booked?

It's not ideal right now @tikha I constantly feel "infected". Nope not in England. Imo they should be being as they are having a free for all over Christmas. Wales have closed and some in London have.

Thanks @MGee123 yes I have a good set up in work due to historical back issues. I did W but of reading and you're right about the relaxin effect. I need to be super careful. Yea I think the 10 week scan is a nice bit of reassurance and worth the extra cash.

That's sounds scary @ivfjourney5 I hope everything is ok. They can check hcg is rising 48 hours apart for reassurance so hopefully they have offered you that. I'm hoping it's just Implantation or post ivf pain. My one sided pains turned out to be my bruised ovary resting on a blood vessel. If your clinic don't help try your gp, they offered hcg bloods to me as i phoned them & the clinic and just went with who was fasted which ended up being the clinic. My back problems come from a minor car accident too (the whiplash compensation seemed amazing at the time but honestly the effect it's had on my life for the past 10 years...the compensation was nothing) my chiropractor knows about my situation and he did say about the muscles relaxing but he thought it would be good for me as my back tends to tense up so I'm not sure what's gone on. I regret cancelling my last appointment now and will try to see him over the weekend. I am 🤞🏻🙏🏻 for good news from you soon xx

So I have had a rubbish weekend with worsening nausea which has progressed at times to retching and on one occasion I threw up 🤢 and have just been too tired to do much. It doesn't seem as if I'm delighted to be pregnant 🤦🏻‍♀️😂. I think I am feeling the pressure of trying to do things "properly" I've been in tears a couple of times over not being able to eat healthily (feeling guilty, like I'm doing a bad job) but I literally can't swallow the stuff. I'm also stressing over gluten as I'm craving wheat based foods but I'm worried it'll trigger an auto immune response. I'm so glad I'm speaking to the midwife on Thursday as my mental health is starting to suffer so hopefully she will reassure me. I know it's just hormonal but sometimes I can't see through the fog. The constant neck pain has definitely made things worse too. Why are things so hard! Still I'm glad to be going through all this and not planning my next cycle.

How is everyone else getting on? Xx

@SpyroC sorry to hear you're suffering so much with morning sickness and being sick too - poor you. That definitely doesn't sound fun. Easier said than done but please try not to beat yourself up about it - you're doing an amazing job and whatever you're able to eat and keep down is ok. There's plenty of time for greens and fruit later on - just have what you're able to and try to keep hydrated with sips of water throughout the day too.
It's great that you're seeing the midwife this week - this is your booking appt, yes? I'm sure they will be able to offer you reassurance on all of this.
Are you gluten intolerant hence no bread? Sorry, I can't recall....would gluten free crackers help a bit perhaps, or cheese? Are you able to finish work early if you're not feeling great? Might take the pressure off a bit. You've got this and can do it 💪

All ok over here - I've had bouts of queasiness the last couple of weeks and can keep it at bay by crackers/ cheese. It seems to be when I'm hungry. I'm the opposite in that it's worrying me that I'm not throwing up and have still been prodding my boobs on a regular basis and the constant knicker watch too!! DH thinks I've gone mad I'm sure. Very much looking forward to seeing the bean next week to check all is ok!!
I got my booking appt through which is 8th Jan so will be just shy of 12 weeks then so it's a bit later than it should be, and 12 week scan is scheduled for 29th Jan which is nearly 15 weeks!!! Argh - it's stressing me out!!! I think I may have to book a private one at the 12 week mark and then will have another one 3 weeks later. Seems a long time to be knocking on 15 weeks without the 12 week one - I guess that Christmas is in the way and they're busy!!

Hope everyone else is ok? 😘

@TheGlitterFairy that’s insane how your 12 week scan is so late. Pretty piss poor by the NHS. The nuchal scan is key that’s on borderline of not showing anything. Can you push them for an earlier scan? I would go private unless your doing an NIPT? It’s just to be on the safe side especially if your over 35? But I think your a DE right? So it is ok!

@SpyroC I’m sorry your feeling poorly. I too suffer from chronic lower back pain which I’m convinced it’s nerve damage closing in a sciatica but doctors are non the wiser. I was on physio but stopped as it got worse during IVF but thankfully it’s subsided I have no idea why! I have sleep with 3-4 pillows and almost upright and they were going to run more tests with the aNRI but now I’m pregnant! Gladly it’s manageable now thank god.

My nausea has hit me like a ton of bricks, today has been much better but Saturday to Monday were really bad. With that was vomiting and I had to be bed ridden on Sunday as was awful. I’m still so nervous about about the scan this week and praying it will be healthy but can’t help getting ready for bad news as my last scan there was no fetal pole and I had bleeding. Fingers crossed it will all work out, I defo have the symptoms but you can with just a gestational sack. Really not enjoying this so far and have been in mental tatters. Just want it over now.

Thanks @TheGlitterFairy and @ChicaXS my nausea has eased a little this week or it might be that I've got better at managing it. I've simply stopped trying to eat healthy stuff as the sickness and upset it causes is not worth it. I've also found some lovely gf ginger biscuits that seem to settle it well. My friend recommended travel sickness bands which came today so I'll give them a go tomorrow. Another friend said raisins work well too so I took some of them to work. Touch wood it's going ok this week but obviously there's nothing I can do about the exhaustion!

@TheGlitterFairy the gf dairy free diet was part of the plan for reducing endometriosis inflammation and improving egg quality. I don't think I'm intolerant but I'm not sure. My gp did test me once but he didn't tell me...I was already gf so obviously it came back negative 🤦🏻‍♀️. Now Ive been eating a bit I might see if they can re test me. Try not to worry about not having it too badly, the fact that you have symptoms at all is good, trust me you don't want it worse. Although I get why you're worried-we are programmed to do so it seems! That's well annoying about your scan! My clinic did warn me that this is happening in the nhs at the moment due to covid, if it's like us in school they are probably being hit by self isolating staff left right and centre too. It is indeed my booking in on Thursday, I'm hoping I here when my scan is likely to be too.

@ChicaXS neck and back pain is just so draining isn't it! My neck subsided yesterday thank goodness. I actually slept through the night last night for the first time in aggges. I have a good feeling about your scan, what day is it? The nurse that did mine said the onset of nausea was a good thing so 🤞🏻🤞🏻. The anxiety has reduced following on from reading how much the miscarriage risk reduces with a heartbeat so hopefully you will soon be feeling less worried. I know what you mean about not enjoying it 😞 I almost feel guilty about this but ultimately I am genuinely delighted to be pregnant it's just not easy is it! I'm glad your sickness has reduced a bit today too

Hope everyone else is doing well x

@tikha my scan is booked for the 5th but it seems soo long away, I'll be 7+5 then! When's your scan?

@SpyroC the nurses weren't worried at all and said they don't generally do HCG levels unless there's something to suggest checking. Obviously my pain wasn't risky enough to be checked 🤷🏻‍♀️ I've phoned my GP this morning to ask if they will do them for reassurance and they told me to phone the local midwife! So I'm now waiting for a midwife to phone me back, who knows, I can't see me getting any bloods done. Sorry about your car crash and the pain you are still getting. I hope you were able to book an appointment to see the chiro soon. I'm still fighting for a fair compensation pay out almost 3 years later, the private doctor I saw originally said I should be better after a year but I was still in pain, so I pushed and eventually had a MRI scan and they found 2 herniated discs and 2 tears in the muscles!!

@TheGlitterFairy that's really frustrating about the 12 week scan being so late! You shouldn't have to pay for a private one at the correct point. Did they say anything originally when they booked it so late?

@ChicaXS sorry you've been so poorly. How are you feeling today? I hope your scan this week goes smoothly and you get some reassurance! As a silver lining the nausea sounds like a good sign that things are progressing well

@ivfjourney5 hope you're okay and haven't had any more episodes? That's sounds scary. All these symptoms/issues are such an unknown aren't they! Sounds like your blood sugar could have dropped - perhaps eating a bedtime snack might help?

Sorry you've had a rubbish time @SpyroC 😢 definitely just eat what you want and do what you want. It will pass!

@TheGlitterFairy I'm still doing fairly regular knicker checking but still no bleeding again here so far 🤞 that's great you've got a scan next week! Your 12 week one definitely sounds too late - I'd call them again and see what they say.

Sorry you're feeling ropey too @ChicaXS. The physical symptoms and emotional stress are so tiring. What day is your scan? Hope all goes well x

It must just be a tough week all round as I'm struggling too. 6 weeks today if all going okay and I'm bloody knackered. I'm also constipated, keep getting pains down below which are a mixture of cramps and constipation discomfort I think! A bit sicky on and off through the day and to cap it off I've had 4 migraines in the past 2 weeks 😖 I haven't had them for years so it is rather frustrating! Looking forward to our scan next week when at least I'll know if it's all worth it!!

Hi everyone - hope you’re ok!
@SpyroC good luck with your booking appt today! Hope all goes well and you find out about your scan date. 🤞Has your sickness eased up at all or still the same? Sorry to hear you get neck/ back pain too - that sounds very draining.
Understood on the gf dairy free diet. If you’ve had a bit though to see you through the last few weeks hopefully you’re not intolerant. 🙏 Thanks - agree we’re programmed to worry it seems.

Thanks @ChicaXS @ivfjourney5 @MGee123 we’re all in agreement on the scan date being too late. Bit of a funny one as I’ve not actually had the appt through yet so noone to call to ask to change / challenge it. With Imperial hospitals in London, they have something called “patients know best” which shows patients your appts and test results and so on. So they’ve added the 12 week scan onto that but I’ve not actually received a letter / email about it yet. Regardless though, having read a bit more about it, it’s too late for the nuchal test so not a great start really and we’ll need to sort it out one way or another as I don’t feel comfortable waiting that long.

@ChicaXS not sure we need the NIPT as (you’re right) we’ve used a donor egg; so while I’m 42, the donor was 25 when she went through treatment earlier in the year.
Sorry to hear you’ve been feeling rubbish too - I hope it’s eased off a bit for you.

@MGee123 it does seem to be a hard week! I wonder if it’s all mixed in with pre Christmas tiredness too. I read somewhere that migraines and headaches can be more prevalent in the first few weeks - think it’s something to do with the hormones. Is it the 23rd your scan? Not too long to go - though am sure it feels like an age still!!!

Hope everyone is doing as ok as they can be - nearly the weekend thank goodness!!

So hello ladies I have great news. My scan was a success and my lil bubba has a healthy and happy heartbeat! Such a relief, the last two weeks have been torture. I’m still spotting but my doctor said that it’s due to the blood vessels popping and causing some minor bleeding. She saw where the bleeding is from and said it may continue until the placenta takes over properly. I’m still going to be freaked out I’m sure but I’m definitely more reassured. I have to now self refer to get the midwifery process kicked off! It’s such a relief and I’m very happy this far. Thanks for all your support xxx

@ChicaXS that's WONDERFUL news! So happy to hear that all is ok with baby and there's a plausible reason for the spotting too. What a relief!! So so pleased to hear this! Good luck with the self referral too! Will be interested to hear on the dates for your booking appt and 12 week scan too!! Hopefully they will be more in line with where they're meant to be!!

Hi Ladies! Just found this thread, I’m currently 13 weeks with MCDA twins after my first round of IVF.

I feel so anxious and I am over reading online also (not good).
All going well but had 2 huge bleeds (pouring down legs sorry if tmi) last week rushed to hospital twice and second time discovered SCH or blood clot just behind the babies. It seems this is more common in ivf pregnancies so just wondering anyone any experience?

They didn’t seem too concerned said it’s small and not near placenta and both my babies are doing great!

Sending good vibes to everyone xx

How did you get on @ivfjourney5 ? It would be nice if they'd test just for reassurance! My clinic did mine in the beginning but it did cost £50 a test. I think you were right to push for more compensation, in hindsight I should've done the same.

@MGee123 sorry you are also having a tough week. You're right it's not been a good one for most of us! It was 6 weeks when my ms really kicked off.

Thanks @TheGlitterFairy it all went well. It felt good to finally talk to someone and have some clinical reassurance. She agrees that if I've been having bits I probably don't have an intolerance so I think I will gradually increase it. I ate the work annual McDonald's breakfast without the bun this morning 🤦🏻‍♀️😂. She said she'd send the paperwork off to the hospital I've said I want to give birth in and that they will write to me about a scan date. That's when I'll get access to the app that has replaced the paper files. She was lovely 😊 How are you getting on?

@ChicaXS yaaaaay! That's fantastic news 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 that must be a massive relief and it's great that they've spotted the cause of the bleed too!

Welcome @Natalie8984 what is MCDA? (Sorry I don't know much about twins) that sounds like it must've been really frightening and I'm so glad they spotted a SCH as a cause. I don't have any experience but I did read a lot around early pregnancy bleeding (my lost bfp turned out to be ectopic and I had a lot of bleeding) and it is definitely more common in ivf pregnancies. Have you had your nhs dating scan yet?

Tomorrow is a work from home half-day for me so it feels like a Friday 🙌🏻😂 x

@SpyroC Hi, it means they share the same placenta but are in a separate sac so they will be identical and the same sex. Means I’m high risk but after 16 weeks I get scanned every 2 weeks so I will be seeing those wee hands and feet all the time. Yes I had my dating scan last week I’m due 24th June but will I not go full term with this type of twin so hoping they cook as long as possible and don’t make an appearance too early. Ideally they will arrive at 36 weeks. Have you had your scan yet?
Yes glad I have an answer now but trying to stay away from Google my consultant shouted at me lol.

Oh lovely are finished for Christmas yet? My doctor signed me off for 4 weeks with the bleeding so I’ve been spoilt being at home with the dog lol xx

@MGee123 no more episodes luckily! I do actually have two biscuits kept next to my bedside since it happened but luckily haven't needed them yet! I had some spotting this afternoon (TMI literally only when I've wiped) but I'm just going to monitor it before I think about ringing the nurses as I know it's pretty common. I hope your constipation has sorted itself out a little bit now?

@TheGlitterFairy it's frustrating that you haven't had the letter yet but the portal sounds good that it shows all your tests results. I usually ask for my test results so that I can do my own research 😂 I'm never satisfied if I'm just told results are normal, I'll still ask for a copy to get the numbers! I feel like I'm so lost now that I've got my BFP and have no idea what's happens now, I'm off to Google what a NIPT is!

@ChicaXS yesssssss 🥰 absolutely great news to hear!

@Natalie8984 welcome and congrats on the twins!! Oh gosh it sounds like you've been through it, hopefully things get a bit smother for you. It'll be reassuring to get such regular scans to keep an eye on how they are progressing

@SpyroC nobody will do them as I expected 🤦🏻‍♀️ so I'm just sat anxiously waiting for the scan. Hopefully Christmas will make the next couple of weeks go quickly so I don't worry myself too much. Great to hear your appointment went well! I hope you've enjoyed your afternoon?

I have very very slight nausea but my main symptom is just having zero appetite, I only eat because I know that I need to eat but I have no desire to 😩 Also my work sent me a bottle of Prosecco as a Christmas gift when they know I've been doing ivf for the last 6 months 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

Ladies, I can book a private scan for a week on Sunday where I'll be 6+3, my scan at the clinic isn't until 7+5 which is sooooo long away! Do I book it or am I just being stupidly impatient

Thanks @TheGlitterFairy , I'm really hoping the migraines disappear soon as they're really not helping! Have you had any joy about your scan?

@ChicaXS I am so thrilled for you 😊 you must be so relieved and great to hear there is a reason for the bleeding. How are you feeling? I'm also waiting for the outcome of our scan next week before referring to the midwife. Don't want to jinx things!

Welcome @Natalie8984! Oh my goodness, twins!! How exciting! That's brilliant your at 13 weeks already and great you are scanned so regularly after 16 weeks. Sending you good vibes for a healthy pregnancy!

@ivfjourney5 the biscuits sound like a good idea 👍 I have crackers although we have two dogs who like to rootle around for things! They aren't really allowed in our bedroom but do come in here occasionally and make a beeline for my bedside table now 😂 that's a little misjudged by your work! I'm sure it wasn't on purpose but rather insensitive none the less 🙄 I am also not really having much desire to eat, which is strange as I love eating! I know what you mean re forcing yourself to eat. Not overly enjoyable.

Hope you're having a nice longer weekend @SpyroC 👍. Have you anything nice planned?

Im rather cross with the person who coined the phrase morning sickness, as it's a total con. I feel sick all day every day and I'm rather fed up with it! That coupled with not wanting to eat but knowing I need to eat is all rather tiresome. On the plus side my boobs have ballooned and as a usual A cup my husband is feeling pretty chirpy about it 😂 I have a few days off next week which will help I think. It's easier to cope with at home - working whilst feeling so crap is rather challenging! Count down to the scan on Wed now 🤞😊 hope you're all well x

@ivfjourney5 did you go for the scan? I'm holding out personally, but can totally understand the desire to go! Hope it goes well if you have 🤞

Hi everyone, lots to catch up on. Work has been tiring so not spent much time on mumsnet. I think I underestimate how exhausting early pregnancy is combined with anxiety.

@ivfjourney5 am having an early scan at 6 weeks 4 days with my clinic as I had a previous ectopic so should be ok probably... If it works out, I will book a private scan at 7 or 8 weeks with my partner.

@TheGlitterFairy can you speak to PALS or call EPU about this? If you can check on your portal they will have access to it.

@ChicaXS great news about the scan. Such a relief

@SpyroC hope you are feeling better from the nausea and glad that appointment went well. Somehow it makes it feel more real

@Natalie8984 so exciting to have twins.

@MGee123 did you speak to the GP if there is anything that can help with migraines? I get them with PMS and they are quiet tiring

@Natalie8984 oooo interesting I thought it'd be the other way due to 2 embryos. How exciting! Yet nerve racking I'm sure. I had 2 put back and my DH wanted twins so we didn't have to go through ivf again. I am all done with until the 5th now 🙌🏻 I had a scan at 6+6 with my clinic and have booked a private 10w for reassurance. I should hear if nhs scan shortly. 4 weeks off sounds lovely with all these symptoms making work extra hard.

@ivfjourney5 my appetite has now reduced too. Even more worrying is that I am struggling to drink! I just don't feel thirsty at all, so weird. It's a hard one ie the scan if your not short on cash and you think seeing the pole would reassure you then go for it! Just be aware it's not a guarantee you will see a heartbeat although you have a good chance. I think it's ridiculous your clinic wouldn't do beta bloods to reassure you!

Nothing planned @MGee123 just finishing wrapping (which has literally taken about 4x as long due to the exhaustion and ms). I'm with you on all of your last paragraph. It is definitely constant sickness! I'm so glad to be off work now.

I'm with you on the exhaustion @tikha it's crazy how much we change in such a short time.

Enjoy the weekend everyone xx

I booked the scan 😂 I know a heartbeat might not be there but if I see a sac that'll give me some reassurance until the clinic scan. I've looked at the stats though and there's a good chance a heartbeat can be seen at that point so fingers crossed 🤞🏼 I spoke too soon about the nausea, it's hit me like a ton of bricks this afternoon! I've got a shopping delivery booked tomorrow and I'm now considering to change it to just bread, chips, waffles, smiley faces, any other potato variation, and crisps 😂

@MGee123 my biscuits are tucked away in a small lunch box, that'll make your crackers dog proof 😂 I know the prosecco would have just been sent out to everyone, still a bit ridiculous though considering. I'm with you on the boob front, I'm usually a B but I'm now starting to overfill a C, although I only wear a bra when I absolutely have to as it's so uncomfortable!

@tikha I hope you manage to get some rest this weekend, do you have some time off over Christmas?

@SpyroC could you try a few different flavours of squash and see what is the easiest to stomach? I'm luckily managing fruit juice/ smoothies so that's putting my mind at rest a bit to get some goodness albeit lots of sugar as well

@SpyroC we just has one embryo put back and it split by some sort of miracle. It’s very rare only 1 in 250 pregnancies are identical I couldn’t believe it. My DH wanted to put 2 back in luckily the clinic advised us not to on our first round or it could have been 3 lol

I did the same I paid for a 10 week scan as seemed so long since my 7 week one then got my nhs app at 11+6.

I’m almost over the sickness now, mine lasted from week 5 to week 10. Not feeling totally normal yet but def able to eat a lot more and eat fruit and veg again. Try putting a slice of lemon in your water that helped me so much as everything just started to have a horrible taste. And ice lollies they were also great!

It’s rough going with the sickness so I feel you ladies I’m just glad I will be able eat my Christmas dinner lol

I don't blame you @ivfjourney5 now there's only a week to go. I know what you mean about the food shop!

@Natalie8984 yes we have a few non identical twins in each year group at school but identical are much less common. I will be delighted if my ms calms down at week 10! 🤞🏻🤞🏻 I keep hearing week 16-20 🙈🙈.

Thanks for the suggestions @Natalie8984 @ivfjourney5 . They appealed to me so we took a detour on our walk so that DH could pop in to the local shop. Fruit juice has been going down well. They didn't have any squash! But flavoured water has gone down well 🙂 I brought some Ice lollies too.

Welcome @Natalie8984! Exciting on the twins and great news on frequent scans!

Thanks for your support ladies on the scan date. After a rather frustrating hour and a half (!) trying to get through to someone this morning, I’ve been able to speak to someone who was able to change it - so it’s been moved to the 15th Jan when I’ll be 12+5 so in line with where it should be 🙌🙌🙌 She commented that my booking appt seems to be later than it should be too but given it’s a week ahead of the scan, it’s fine to leave as is.
Feeling very relieved to have sorted that out and be able to look forward to it! I have my bonus scan tomorrow so be great to check in before Christmas on the bean!!

@ivfjourney5 good call on booking the scan too - and agree on food shop. Am craving anything carby!! Agree on the test results too - I like to see the actual number so I can understand what it all means!! I don’t like to be fobbed off with a “normal range” either!!

@SpyroC how’ve you been feeling over the weekend? Hope you’re not feeling too sick still?

@MGee123 have your migraines subsided at all?

Hope everyone is doing ok and haven’t had too many Christmas plans disrupted with the announcement on Saturday.

Hi all, thought I would tentatively join this thread after a positive test on Saturday and yesterday. I have my blood test at 8am tomorrow morning so hoping for a positive figure! Starting to feel a bit sicky and have a horrible taste in my mouth... hoping that’s a good sign! x

Ps just thought that I don’t “know” everyone on here. Lots of the girls are from the November thread but 👋 to any others! It was my second frozen transfer after a BFN in August following our first round. OTD is today, a whopping 14 days after transfer 🤪 so I’m 4+5 according to google ... hope everyone is doing well x