BFP after IVF: any other nervous ladies in need of a handhold?

[wombats]

I've had my BFP after our first FET and in a bit of a state analysing symptoms/lack of symptoms. Had two losses prior to starting IVF so really can't get my head round what might be normal or not. Clinic will scan me at six weeks, but that is two very long weeks away! Anyone else in a similar position? xxx

@Tigerlily99 hi! And congrats! My first scan was at exactly 7 weeks. 3 weeks after my positive result.
It’s an anxious time. Try enjoy your holiday! Xx

Having a stress this morning. Boobs no longer sore, cramps seem stronger and frer no darker than 2 days ago. It’s all over already isn’t it?

Hang in there @beanhunter, Ive heard it’s really common for symptoms to come and go. I’ve not had many symptoms at all and the only recurring ones are intermittent stomach pains. I know how scary it is, but please try to stay positive.
I’ve also read that the lines darkening or otherwise don’t mean much really as tests aren’t that sensitive re:2 days change.

I haven’t tested at all - just got my blood test BFP at the clinic - I have been sorely tempted though but realised if it wasn’t showing what I expected (and I know nothing lol) then I would just be more worried rather than reassured.
When’s your next clinic appointment?

My clinic was overseas so I have a scan on the 24th (6+2). Nothing until then. We are away in South Africa so I’ve just been and brought some new tests as I am not even back home for another week. I’d forgotten how stressful this is - I’ve had multiple miscarriages so I feel scared rather than excited.

@beanhunter really feel for you. This is my first ever pregnancy so don’t know the heart ache of mc so can’t imagine what you are going through. I’m also definitely more scared than excited too though, so I get where you are coming from. I think reading back on this thread that’s how a lot of others felt during this period as well.
Is it just a lack of symptoms or has anything specific happened to make you especially worried today? As I say, reading around, symptoms do come and go, so really don’t think that means the worst for you at all.

I know it’s easy to say and hard to do but have you got plenty to do while you are away - day trips and stuff - to try and take your mind off it? Or, if it’s your thing, maybe download a meditation app to try and break you out of your thoughts for now?

@beanhunter completely understand how you feel. I’ve been like this the whole time. I’m now 9 weeks, and have paid for a scan in a few days. Symptoms seem to change each day (except I always feel tired and under the weather).

Like @gingergnome says, it seems to be common... still nerve wracking though! I haven’t tested since BFP. Take care x

Also - how persistent/strong are the cramps? You say they’ve got stronger - are they actually painful rather than uncomfortable?

How’s your tiredness today @beherenow? I hadn’t first v.tired day yesterday, which combined with odd, vivid dreams I’ve started having meant I actually dreamt that I kept falling asleep! 😂

@gingergnome lol. Sleep is always on your mind then! I fall asleep at 8:30 every night... sometimes earlier! Really struggling with my 10 hour work days!
Hope you’re keeping well, and managing to squeeze in all the sleep that you can! Xx

I feel tired just hearing about your 10hour work days @Beherenow!
I’ve been on holiday last week but slowly starting to worry a little about being back to work next week as including commute I’m out around 11hours a day but admittedly at a desk job. Still, hopefully being back and being tired will mean I don’t have time to symptom spot & worry! Swings and roundabouts 🙂

@beanhunter
Hope you are ok? I had cramps a while back, so know how worrying it is. Everything was fine for me though and the cramps only lasted one afternoon i just went back to bed for the afternoon and the next day i was fine. The hospital told me it's quite common but can be your body trying to tell you to take it easy so i would definitely REST today. Your body is doing more work than ever in the first few weeks so listen to your body

Uncomfy rather than painful. Just like before a period?
I think it’s more that the lines on the frer had been obviously darkening and today they are identical to 2 days ago. I also thought my boobs were sore then and bigger and now they are back to being the same as normal. I’m good at worst case scenarios.

Hello ladies, do you mind if I join you? I'm 5+2 after ICSI. Have first scan on 21st August when I'll be 6+5. Also getting cramps. Boobs sore but less so over past couple of days. They have also increased in size! I started exercising again this week after taking a break during IVF. Boobs are so painful when running- need to get a new sports bra!

Is anyone else still on progesterone? When do they usually stop it?

Also, how often are you ladies having scans and when did you self-refer to maternity services? I'm feeling too scared to do it until I've had my first scan - but is that a bit too late?

@cannonball8726 hi! I phoned the midwife the day of my 7 weeks scan, when I was discharged from the fertility clinic. Then had my first appointment with midwife at 8.3 weeks. Also, stopped taking progesterone 2 days after my positive result.
I’ve booked in for a private scan when I will be 9.4 weeks, and very glad that I did now. Then will have my nhs scan at 11.5 weeks.
Hope you’re feeling ok. Well done you for getting back into running! I’m so lazy (except when working 😴)

Hey @beherenow32! Nice to see you here. How are you getting on? I can't believe you're almost 9 weeks - although time has probably felt slower to you ;)

Thank you- I will self refer after the scan if it's okay. I'm doing okay. I am just easing myself back into the exercise - trying not to overdo things but thought I'd try to stay active while I still can!

When did your nausea start, ladies? I am feeling a bit nauseated today but don't know if it's all psychological 😂

Hi @cannonball
I’m 5+1 after first ICSI
My scan is Thurs this week when I’ll be 5+6 which seems early compared to everyone else. I believe I’ll get an 8/9wk scan as well. I was just waiting for the clinic to refer me into normal services, or tell me it’s time to do so - is this not how it works?

Certainly I wouldn’t do it until after this first scan. I don’t think it would be too late as a lot of women probably won’t even realise they’re pregnant until around 5-6 weeks.

I’m still on progesterone and guessing I will be until 12wks. I thought everyone who’d had IVF was told to do this?
Lol I’m so clueless about it all!

@cannonball8726 I was 9 weeks yesterday. Going so fast! My sick feelings started around week 7. And found the last couple of days it’s not as intense. Which worries me, but I am feeling slightly sick today. Yeah, I would wait until after your first scan to phone midwife, but that’s just how my clinic worked it.

@gingergnome I think it may depend on which drugs you used during ivf, and whether you carry on with the progesterone. Maybe the trigger shot? I’m not too sure tbh. I phoned and checked with my clinic and was told I didn’t need anymore, and I was surprised at the time.

Everything is a challenge today! I’ve done wee bits but mostly sitting about...

I’ve had no real feelings of nausea and no boob changes. I don’t seem to get hungry anymore just start to feel a little light headed/nauseous and that tells me it’s time to eat. Then I’m starving! Lots of little cramps, pinches and pulling in abdomen. I’m trying not to let these worry me even though I’m quietly convinced it means bad news.

Did you exercise a lot before @cannonball? What are you planning to do exercise wise now? I was a fair weather exerciser before BFP. Thinking I’ll do brisk walking and yoga, maybe a bit of swimming and/or static cycling.

Hmmm I did short protocol, Ovitrelle trigger. We’re male factor infertility and all my tests were in the normal ranges so I was surprised when I had to carry on with progesterone. Even more so when they doubled my dose!! 😬

@cannonball8726

Hi another bfp brilliant news 
I self referred to midwife care not long after my bfp result so i could get an appointment that suited around my df job. The lady said it doesn't matter if you're still under an ivf clinic you can still self refer as you can always cancel it. I stopped progesterone straight after bfp too.
Good on you exercising the most Iv done is walk to the shops 10 mins away, I'm too scared to overdo it 🙊so probably need to do a little more. I haven't really had very much nausea, the minute i feel any coming on i rush to the kitchen for yet more food! 🐷

@gingergnome
I had lots of pulling feelings in lower abdomen at your point of pregnancy so it's normal feels like stretching inside. I get tired so easily at the moment so just taking it easy and sitting about a lot also!

I’ll refer myself to midwife after 6 week scan. I’m already under the rmc clinic and have self referred there so will see consultant at 8 weeks anyway.

Hey @gingergnome. We're almost the same dates :) I normally exercise at least three times a week - cardio, strength training and Pilates. I walk a lot as part of my commute as well. Planning to keep going with it all if I feel okay! Exercise keeps me sane and I am really happy to have gone back to it this week - although my fitness is pretty rubbish at the mo ;)

I guess clinics vary slightly with the meds. Mine is so OTT. I am on vaginal progesterone, intramuscular progesterone (which my husband has the joy of injecting in my bum), heparin and aspirin (no history of miscarriages or clotting disorders) as well as thyroxine. Need to have my thyroid function repeated next week.

It's good that you have your scan soon. Not long to wait!

@Beherenow32 not surprised that you don't feel up to much at the mo! Get some rest. Glad things are going quickly. Best of luck for your next scan this week :)

Thanks @itonlytakesone! Bet it feels good to have had the first scan :) I'm only exercising because it keeps me sane and I figured that I might be too shattered to do very much soon. Did you self refer to midwife through GP or your maternity hospital?

Congrats on your BFP @beanhunter :)

@cannonball8726
I just called the hospital directly to make the booking in appointment with midwifes my appointment is on a Sunday next weekend so has come around really fast after my first scan

Wow your clinic is really looking after you! I didn't have any of that! They just let my body take straight over. I'm still amazed I'm growing a little baby!