BFP after IVF - the journey continues (part 2)

[HopefulllHolly]

SENSITIVE CONTENT

Continuation of previous thread for anyone with a BFP following IVF to support with anxieties and other worries that come along with pregnancy after infertility.

@AnnieStar12
@DippyDuck19
@DogMummy87
@Edf
@Fluffyted
@Leaf86
@LouP87
@Natty2
@SETTC87
@ThePeachGoose
@jas1996
@lemonyfox
@oliviagrace2307
@summerchild92

Please tag anyone else I’ve missed accidentally!

I just received my nifty results 🥰 and everything is alright (all low risk) + we are expecting a boy! 💙🥰

it’ll be a little bit easier to enjoy pregnancy from now on I hope 🤪

Woohoo! Congrats @summerchild92 💙💙💙 glad little boy is all good!

@summerchild92 congrats! Glad everything is low risk and another little boy 🩵🩵🩵

@summerchild92 congrats!! The nerves should definitely start to go down from here :)

Congrats!!! @summerchild92 🥳💙

@summerchild92 congrats! Joining the boy crew 🩵🩵

@HopefulllHolly @DippyDuck19 @LouP87 thank you for sharing your anterior placenta stories!
@LouP87 I hope you get to feel some movement soon 🤞

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. We cancelled today's private gender scan having had the emergency scan this week so hoping to go and do some baby window shopping for the first time, which we're excited for!

Congratulations @summerchild92 ! 💙💙💙

Wow, so much to catch up on !!!

Congrats on some lovely scan news @lemonyfox @Always28 @Natty2 , on the low risk boy news 🧡 @summerchild92 and the big 20 wk milestone scans @DippyDuck19 @HopefulllHolly . I am sure I have missed people!! But it’s lovely to see how everyone is progressing.

@DippyDuck19 sorry you have had a worry with the bleed, hope it has died down now and you’re feeling less anxious.

@lemonyfox on the movement front, I definitely felt flutters from 13 weeks but my placenta has moved and is now fully anterior (it was only partially anterior before) and although when I do feel movement, it is stronger, I feel it probably less than a few weeks ago and miles less than my first pregnancy. Today I have barely felt baby at all, even though last night I got my first kick that was perceptible from the outside (I’m 19+5 now). I have to say it is making me anxious because I was so used to a very regular kicky baby last time and a posterior placenta. I am probably not comparing the correct gestational weeks (and remembering what it feels like towards the end!). Also definitely feeling more anxious as we head towards the 20 wk scan (next week).

In terms of baby products, I highly recommend the cybex cloud z i-size car seat - it lets the babies recline a bit more in the car so their tiny newborn necks aren’t so scrunched up. We actually got rid of our Nuna Pippa car seat because his breathing sounded so weird in it and replaced it with the Cybex. We currently have a babyzen yoyo for my toddler and we are debating whether we do sling and yoyo or go down the double buggy route. We would only be out of the house with both of them at the weekends so it’s just whether the ease of having the double would be worth the cost.

Aww thanks everyone! 💛
who’s keeping track in boy/girl count on here? 🥰🥰🥰🥰

Hi ladies hope you are all good sorry for my late replies congrats to those who have had scans this week @summerchild92 @Natty2 @Always28 and for the 20 week scans @HopefulllHolly @DippyDuck19 !!

We have had our private gender scan today which was super lovely and I can confirm we are having a little girl!! We are so excited to give our DS a little sister, he will be the best big brother!! Baby girl was nuzzling the placenta so didn't get a great side profile of her face lol but she has super long legs and was moving around loads! I also have an anterior placenta this time around and I've started to feel flutters over the top of the placenta which makes sense now! Starting to feel so much more human now the sickness is easing off and less tired. Now very excited to get some girls clothes!

Hope you are all having lovely weekends xx

Awww lovely news @oliviagrace2307 💕 another girl band member!

@summerchild92 We’re now on:
6 little ladies 🎀
4 beautiful boys 🩵

@Leaf86 Almost at 20 weeks - how have you coped with getting through your tough period? Hope you’re ok! I’ve been worrying about movements too (always something!). On Thursday she was incredibly active but since then only the odd movement very low down. Keep telling myself it’s fine as I know realistically I’d probably be feeling other negative symptoms if somethings wrong! Anterior placentas are annoying!

@HopefulllHolly thank you 💕 it’s gone surprisingly quickly, I can’t believe we’re basically halfway through. I will feel a lot better if the 20 week scan is ok - and then I will try my best to relax and enjoy the second half! Despite all the anxiety (and nausea..) I do love being pregnant so trying to soak it up! The anterior placenta really makes a difference, but I’m hoping (from what I have read) that by the time we are really tracking patterns, it won’t matter as baby is big enough to be felt. It’s soo hard not to be anxious about it now though - what you have described is the same as me this week. I had a day of a lot of really perceptible movement and then literally hardly anything, just the odd movement low down for the next two days (including this one).

Really interesting reading about everyone’s mat leave plans - I was thinking to go off a few days before whenever my section is scheduled (which is what I did last time to maximise time with baby) but now I’m wondering whether I would benefit from some time off beforehand (like others are doing) so I can do some final nesting and relaxing before the chaos of the newborn weeks!

@Leaf86 Oh I’m so glad you’re doing alright! When is your 20 week scan (sorry if you’ve said!) - I’m sure it will all be ok, though I know how anxious you will be! I love being pregnant too, I like seeing my body growing and feeling her move. 🥰 I’ve tried to relax about the movement, like you say, when we have to track it it’ll be obvious even with a placenta in the way.
On Mat leave - i’m starting actual Mat leave at 39 weeks so quite late! But I have 5 weeks of holiday to use/carry over so I’m just going to take that for Christmas break and there’s not much point in going back to handover anything afterwards. But like you I’m aiming to keep as much mat leave for when baby is earth side ☺️ so I have maximum time getting to know her. How I feel now I wish I could go on leave much earlier though, i’m very tired! The energy of the second trimester didn’t really stick around for me! 🤣🤣

Hi ladies!
Just reporting back on the maternity jeans. So I bought one pair of black slim jeans from Seraphine and H+M and I’m keeping the Seraphine. The H+M are actually much comfier and cheaper than the Seraphine but I really didn’t like how low the button and fly were - they literally made my legs look about 2inches long 🤣🤣 So although I preferred them for the important reasons they just looked really silly to me! Maybe it was just that one style though? I’m not sure, I’m guessing it’s so the button is below the bump but I’d rather no button at all to be honest! Anyway - I’ve ordered a pair in the same size from H+M in a different style to see. The hunt for the perfect pregnancy jeans continues…!

How is everyone doing? Who’s next with scans? I know @AnnieStar12 has her 20 week on the 20th I think?!

I’ve been signed off all week by the doctors - I’ve had migraines every other day for the last week and nothing is working. I drink plenty of water and eat enough so the doctor thinks it’s hormone related hypertension but there’s literally been no trials on various painkillers use in pregnancy so anything stronger comes with an unknown risk. I’ve tried paracetamol but it doesn’t touch it, or feels like my head is caving in. It’s stressing me out being signed off because I have so much work to get through but baby comes first. So that’s me this week! 😵‍💫😵‍💫

@HopefulllHolly sorry to hear about the migraines, but hope you can make the most of being off work! Funnily enough, I was tempted to call the GP the other day as I've had this on/off headache on one side for the last few weeks, but it has gone today so haven't done it yet, but after what you've said I might just try make an appointment anyways.
And well done finding maternity jeans, I've never found any that work for me, I find it hard enough to find jeans that I like when not pregnant as I'm a bit of a pear shape! So I'm just sticking to maternity leggings and tracky bottoms seeing as I work from home most of the time anyways.

That's right, I have my scan next Friday - 11 days to go. I'm still not feeling baby move, I have been soo tempted to buy a home doppler but my partner would kill me as he is very firmly against it. Plus every time I look at them online there's just lots of articles and forums saying how bad they are! He says if I really need reassurance we can go for another private scan. Anyways, hopefully they'll start soon - just hate that everywhere says you should feel it early if you've been pregnant before which ends up being more stressful when that's not the case. From memory, I don't actually think I felt them until 24 weeks last time

@HopefulllHolly on the maternity Jean front, I have new look jeans which aren't too bad. Might be worth a look.

Sorry to hear you've been signed off work this week but you have to do what's best for you and your little lady! A week resting sounds like a good idea!

@AnnieStar12 I wouldn't worry too much about what others say about feeling movements. Every pregnancy is different! Am sure you'll be feeling movements by 24 weeks!

Not much to report my end. 22 weeks tomorrow. The bleeding has definitely stopped and Plans for baby shower are underway. We've set a date and sent "invites". My mum has ordered a ton of balloons and roped me and my sister in to making the balloon arch!

I've also booked a 4d scan for when I'm 28-29 weeks! Will then have growth scans at 34-36 weeks. Feels like such a long wait to see little man! Debating whether to book another scan at 24 weeks but have midwife appointment at 25 weeks when will hopefully hear the heartbeat again. Hoping these next few weeks fly by!!!

Hope you’re getting some good rest @HopefulllHolly

had my repeat 20 week scan just now to check his face. Everything is fine, seems though the last sonographer didn’t update his report as the image they showed today is exactly the same as what I was shown 3 weeks ago! But still lovely getting to see him again - doing acrobatics and still not wanting to be in the right position, clearly going to be naughty!

In other news, I think I have felt the first movements - fizzy/bubbling on my left side quite low down - fingers crossed!

Aww I'm sorry that you are off work @HopefulllHolly fingers crossed you get much needed rest this week, work can def wait, you and the baby's health is far more important. I know you've probably tried everything under the sun but as I can get stress related migraines kool n soothe sheets can def make your head feel less throbby/more cool and safe to use in pregnancy, it won't take the pain away but it's just a nice relief on the head.

I also second new look maternity jeans @DippyDuck19 they are really nice! I've also just got some maternity leggings from Shein lol they come with a button waistband thing which you can adjust for your size bump and omg they are super comfy! Hope you are doing all ok @DippyDuck19 the baby shower sounds very exciting! Are you having it at home or at a venue? That's so lovely to have something to look forward to!

Beautiful scan pic of your baby boy @LouP87!

@oliviagrace2307 my mum wanted to hire a venue but to agree to the baby shower, I want as low key as possible so will be having it at home. Luckily my house is open plan and large enough to accommodate the long list of people my mum wants to invite! 🤦🏻‍♀️

@LouP87 glad you got to see baby boy again and everything is fine.
Exciting you may be starting to feel him too! Sounds like you are - My first movements started off as little fizzy vibrations!

@AnnieStar12 Not long to go! How exciting. Bet you’ll be relieved to get there. Well done for powering through, I know you’ve been anxious. Definitely go to the doctors although there’s little they can give you without risk involved but they can sign you off work to rest.
I know what you mean about being pear shape - I’m the same. My only pregnancy weight I’ve gained is on my bum and thighs which means I feel pretty chubby now and my usual size isn’t fitting. 😓 I only really wear jeans when I’m out the house on weekends or when we have plans, but I want some nice outfits for Christmas and things.
Don’t bother with a Doppler - I borrowed my friends for a week and it didn’t work whatsoever and just annoyed/worried me. Definitely easier to just get the midwife to do it for you!

@DippyDuck19 Yeah maybe the rest will help me, but now I’m stressed about missing work. Need to try and just relax a bit I think. The headaches are rehabilitating though - I’ve been in tears when I have them and it made me sick yesterday from the pain, and today my vision went really blurry in one eye.
Thanks for the new look Jean recommendation, I shall try them next. I have a feeling I won’t find any that don’t make my legs look like sausages though 🤣
Amazing news your bleeding has stopped again - what a relief! And super exciting you’re at baby shower planning! My friends made a WhatsApp group to plan it together with my mum and I’ve given them strict instructions that I don’t want something OTT. Have you got a theme or anything?
I don’t think im going to get a 3-D scan, I don’t feel massively fussed by one but equally I don’t know how im going to cope 4 months without anything! I’ve seen a few late scans and the baby is squished and you can’t really tell what’s going on in there so I’m going to have to see how you get on and decide from
there 🙂

@LouP87 Awww beautiful scan, glad baby was all ok and you got to see him again! Little camera shy bear. He looks so cute already! So exciting feeling the movement - it’s such a nice feeling and very surreal - I was thinking back to doing my stim injections and it feels like only yesterday in a lot of ways! My movement feels like a little fish moving around in my tummy and a few that feel like muscle spasms when they are really low down 🤣 I haven’t felt her much at all today though - I want it to be 24 weeks where they are strong and regular as it’s just given me another thing to fixate on 😂😂

@oliviagrace2307 Oooh a second new look vote, I’ll have a look this evening. Thank you! I’ll have a look for those head patch things too - at this point I’ll take anything that helps. I might go for a massage this week and see if that helps as I’ve had tension in my neck and shoulders from side sleeping so who knows!

@HopefulllHolly I feel for you! Those headaches sound rubbish. I used to get migraines pre-pregnancy with severe pain and light sensitivity. Am surprised they haven't returned during pregnancy. Just get a daily headache.
Try not to stress about work. Easier said that done!! But your health is more important.

Don't particularly have a theme for baby shower. My mum was trying to match our nursery theme so sage green and safari. But I hated the green balloons and the green cakes 😂 so now just going for blue decorations etc.

With the 4d scan you can have them between 24-32 weeks but recommended at 28 weeks as that's the ideal for getting the best view of baby. Think I'll be 28+6 for when I've booked.
DP sister wants to buy some personalised bits for baby but am really reluctant to officially share his name before he's here. Although I've 99% decided and I don't have a back up in case he doesn't "suit" his name. I'm hoping seeing his face at the scan will help me decide whether the name fits or not. If we do share it will only be immediate family (although DP accidentally let it slip to my family what our fave name was).

@oliviagrace2307 lovely to hear your scan news! 💕

@Leaf86 thank you! When is your 20 week scan?

@HopefulllHolly sorry to hear you've been signed off this week, hope you start to feel better soon.

@DippyDuck19 glad to hear your bleeding has stopped! Enjoy the baby shower planning!

@LouP87 lovely scan photo and fingers crossed for those first signs of movement! 🤞

From my end I finally met my midwife today at the 16 week check up (she wasn't available at my booking appointment). After last weeks terrible service she was much better in person. They had a real job at trying to hear the heartbeat (so probably not worth the at home Doppler @AnnieStar12!)
They ended up doing a quick scan which they linked up to the midwife's mobile- never heard of that before!! Saw baby straight away and that helped them located where he was and then managed to listen to the heartbeat properly after that 🥰

Lovely scan pic @LouP87 and glad all ok! That’s what my first movements felt like - little gas bubbles. Exciting!

@AnnieStar12 i am sure you will feel them soon - my friend is on her second baby with a posterior placenta too and still didn’t feel movement until 21 weeks +. It’s so different for everyone isn’t it, and every baby / pregnancy too. I went a whole day and night without anything the other day and totally panicked. Baby can clearly get into a particular position where you can’t feel a single thing.

@DippyDuck19 baby shower sounds very fun! Lovely to plan something so positive.

@HopefulllHolly sorry to hear you’re suffering, they sound miserable. I get them badly when not pregnant (and in the first trimester) but then they tend to settle and I’ve been lucky so far. Might be a long shot, but have you tried topical magnesium? It’s meant to be important in pregnancy and lots of people are deficient. I rub it on my bump every few days and I think magnesium deficiency is associated with migraines. If the doctor thinks the headaches are related to hypertension, did they suggest taking your blood pressure regularly at home / speaking to your midwife? I developed it late in pregnancy (pregnancy induced hypertension) and they took it very seriously (but ultimately all fine, so definitely not to worry you!).

Cross posted @Natty2 , sorry!! Scan this week, will update afterwards. Big scanxiety at the moment. 🤦🏼‍♀️

@DippyDuck19 have fun with the baby shower! My hospital are going to be doing growth scans with me at 28, 32 & 36 weeks so at least I know I’ll see lots of baby in the third trimester! I think they’re doing it as I’m over 40, but I’m pleased to be having them and means I won’t need extra private ones hopefully.

@LouP87 glad you got a good 20 week scan, another one of the group last that watershed! Congrats :)

@HopefulllHolly I’m with you on my pregnancy weight going on my thighs:( I’ve got huge all over in every pregnancy so expecting that again in the coming months.

@Natty2 glad it went well and midwife was good in person, that’s a relief! And good to know they do a scan if they struggle with the Doppler.

@Leaf86 good luck with the scan this week. And I know you’re right about movement, I’m just so impatient - it’s the best feeling ever getting those little kicks 🩷