IVF babies due Summer 2025

[loulamay]

Hi - I wondered if anyone else had recently found out they were pregnant after IVF or loss? I am 4w6d today, waiting on some beta blood tests and have my first scan in just under 3 weeks.

We are very lucky to have a daughter who is 3 born from IVF and have been trying for a sibling for 2 years.

Had forgotten how utterly terrifying and anxiety-inducing (or as I also like to call it, 'knicker-watch') this first part was so if anyone else is in the same boat and wants to swap stories then that would be lovely.

@loulamay That makes sense. I have mixed feelings about multiples, I think I am in a good position to have two at once (flexible work, lots of family support etc), it would be the risks in pregnancy that worry me. In my case two made it to day 5 and neither were good enough to freeze, so it was a case of not wanting to waste them so giving them both a shot 😂.

I sound a tad dramatic; it was an intense pain but only lasted 30 seconds, then settled. I am going in for a scan on Tuesday, so will mention it then, I did not see the point mentioning it now as I am pretty confident they would tell me that as long as it isn't persistent (which it isn't) and there's no blood (which there isn't) then it's probably nothing to worry about. It's just made me think, as I can see people describing this pain online, but it's usually much later along than 6 weeks.

Is anyone else finding this the most painfully slow week ever? Hurry up Tuesday.

@wateringcanface I had two transferred as well. We were actually blindsided by it a bit, as the Dr just kind of said “we’re gonna transfer two” right before ET. It was an early blast and a mid/low quality blast and they said chances of both implanting was pretty low given my age, quality of embryos and my past experiences (two failed rounds). However, I am now having the exact same thoughts as you - some of the things I’m experiencing are making me wonder... I think I’m just finding it hard not to overthink everything right now!

Have also had some really weird pain today. In my groin and down into my upper thighs. Really caught me off guard and couldn’t do anything for ten/fifteen mins.

I am with you on time passing so incredibly slowly!

So sorry @Feliciacat - take care and look after yourself x

@PsychologyGeek

Your situation sounds similar to mine, how do you feel about the possibility of twins? I typed in my details into AI (such as our circumstances and quality of the embryo's etc) and it gave me a 10% chance of both sticking (before it said 5-10% but I forgot to add my age). I know this won't be 100% accurate, but it will work out those % based on various studies and statistics so probably gives a good indication. For us both, it is obviously more likely that it will be just the one (I will be thrilled if there is any in there, never mind 2) but I guess it makes sense to be aware there is a smallish chance it could be 2.

The pain I had also went into my thighs, the first time it happened I was walking around shops so couldn't really sit but it was a harsh sharp sensation in my groin/pelvis and upper thighs, it went on for about 15 minutes until I got to a seat.

@wateringcanface that pain sounds so similar to what I was experiencing yesterday. You reckon it’s ligament pain? Regarding twins, like you say, I would be just so over the moon to have anything when I go to my scan. It would be trickier for us as we don’t have much local family support - but obviously we would make it work. We were told our chances of multiple pregnancies was less than 5% by the consultant given our situation, but I guess that’s just a rough estimate they give.

@Nic28j @Jcm1985 @loulamay thank you for your supplement recommendations. I went with Pregnacare as they were easy to grab at the supermarket. Will see how I go.

How is everyone doing? x

@PsychologyGeek I do, here is a description of round ligament pain.

Sudden, sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen or pelvis.
Often triggered by movement, such as standing up, walking, rolling over in bed, coughing, or sneezing.
A dull ache or pulling feeling that’s almost constant, particularly in the lower abdomen or groin area.
Feels like the ligaments supporting your uterus are being stretched.
Localised Pain: Usually felt in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or groin, but can radiate to the hips or even the upper thighs.
Pressure or Intensity with Activity:
Pain may worsen when walking, standing for long periods, or after sudden movements.
Sitting or lying down often relieves the discomfort.

Sounds pretty spot on to me. happens with both singleton pregnancies and multiples so does not mean twins, but more common to be felt early with twins, but isn't exclusive, so, it made me think. Although realistically, in the absence of any other symptoms, I don't think it is. I just want a baby, I don't care if its 1, 2 or 3 (okay maybe not 3)

......................................

7-week scan week for us all next week! (I think) How's everyone feeling? This week has draaaagged.

Why is it that the closer something gets, the slower the time passes?!

Wet and windy weather is predicted here this weekend too which will mean being cooped up inside which I hate! Just went for a long dog walk while it was still dry.

Feel a bit less nauseous today which is of course a worry. UGH. Thinking about the scan makes me want to fully puke though!

Are you planning on taking partners/husbands? Mine is working away so can't come but actually in a way I prefer that because I only have myself to worry about (am a huge empath and spend most of my time worrying about everyone else!)

@loulamay this has been such a painfully slow week, and I also have a very boring weekend ahead which doesn't help. What day is your scan again?

I wouldn't worry too much about symptoms coming and going, I think it's normal (well I hope so as mine come and go).

Mine is coming because he happened to have a day off the day of the scan, but he would not have gone out of his way to get a day off for it. I do find it a bit awkward getting the dildo cam with him in the room 😂

'dildo cam' ahahahahahahahahahaha that has really made me laugh. That is what it will be called from now on.

Mine's on Monday 😱

You're 100% right about the symptoms. I hate how IVF makes me crazy when I'm normally such a laid-back person!

I just watched Joy on Netflix and was not prepared for the release of emotions 😭😭😭😭

clinic have moved my scan so I am now Monday afternoon…nerve levels are currently 8.5/10 but steadily increasing!

@loulamay @Jcm1985 so
soon for you!! Will be thinking of you both.

Mine isn’t until the 4th which still feels like forever away!

My partner is coming as it’s an early morning/pre work scan. Less awkwardness with her being the room during dildo cam (lol) as she has also experienced dildo cam. Benefits of being in a same sex couple!

@Jcm1985 I bet - I might give it a watch this weekend. Prepare myself for the tears!

Delighted that dildo cam is taking off. I feel we must spread the word further 😂

Great news that they moved your scan up @Jcm1985 👍

i just got into bed. So happy.

@loulamay @Jcm1985 ee, Monday. Just 2 more days to get over and done with.

@PsychologyGeek the 4th seems while away, how many weeks will you be then?

Mines early Tuesday. Going to our favourite place for breakfast after. We said we would still go regardless if it's good or bad news, as I said if I'm going to be depressed i may aswell be depressed with an eggs benidict 😂

I was absolutely exhausted yesterday, napped for 2 hours in afternoon and had a pounding head, I have no idea if it's pregnancy related or I'm coming down with something. Apparently headaches can happen due to increased blood flow/hormones, but they don't seem to be common symptoms so I'm not sure. I hope im not ill, I can't be arsed with a cold.

Also, saw wicked last night - awesome, and 3 hours without thinking about how anxious I am, woo.

I'm going to watch joy tonight with a take away, looking forward to it.

So close for most people now! How are you all feeling - nerves wise and symptoms wise?

@wateringcanface doesn’t it! I think it’s because I’m further behind most people. I’ll be 7 weeks exactly then.

I feel like I’ve been really struggling to contain my anxiety and feel at all optimistic over the past few days. Haven’t been having much in the way of symptoms apart from some cramping/pain in my lower right abdomen in the evenings (which doesn’t feel good). Also, my resting heart rate, which went up quite a lot when I got my BFP has started to drop. Just feeling quite pessimistic and still so far away from my scan 🙁

@PsychologyGeek I'm honestly just terrified. Hoping I get some sleep tonight. I feel like if there's a heartbeat then we cross a major milestone but so hard to know what is going on in there. I felt SO sick Friday night but yesterday and today have been less nauseous (although it's there in the background) which is tricky, doesn't matter how many online searches I do that say 'fluctuating symptoms are normal', I just can't seem to feel reassured.

This really is just so hard 😥

Not sure how often I'll get to post here, but I'm 4w3d after a FET - our fresh transfer didn't take during the summer. Went a bit mad testing during the week but I'm forcing myself to stop now because it's not actually reassuring me - I relax for about a minute then I'm into 'but what if something goes wrong today'? Our scan isn't for another 3 weeks so I'm doing my best to just relax until then, and enjoy the reassurance of the constant nausea.

Welcome @CaffeineAndCrochet and congratulations!

@Jcm1985 thinking of you today xx

Thinking of you today @loulamay @Jcm1985 - keeping everything crossed for really happy news for both of you.

@CaffeineAndCrochet congratulations! I know that feeling so well. I am still testing occasionally but, like you say, it isn’t really that reassuring past a certain point. What date is your scan?

@loulamay@PsychologyGeek

I am the same, I have researched it lots, and it says fluctuating symptoms are normal, but I hate it, at week 4.5 - 5.5 I had the most painful boobs, so much so it was hard to sleep. Now they just feel normal. It has defiantly crossed my mind that the scan will say fetus stopped growing at 5.5, I've had other symptoms, but they come in waves, I just want something consistent and reassuring, I know it's not the be all and end all, but I want symptoms lol.

Hi @CaffeineAndCrochet congratulations and welcome to the most frustrating few weeks of your life. If you do manage to relax, please let me know how!

I have had an odd weekend, two of my best friends told me (all part of same friendship group) that they are pregnant, very early on (both before 12 weeks), we are going to start a group chat soon. I am thrilled for them, but it also fills me with anxiety, as now if something does not go right, I feel like I am going to find it hard to hear about their milestones. It was funny though, all first pregnancies, and we can't believe we all just happen to be at similar stages (give or take 2-3 weeks) at the same time.

Good luck @Jcm1985 XXXX

Good news from my end :-) saw the heartbeat which was 128 (she said that was good) and measuring 7w3d which is about spot on. The nerves before the scan were next level! Big relief.

Next up is midwife as we have been discharged from the clinic now (crazy!) and then the 12 week NHS scan.

♥️♥️♥️

@loulamay amazing news, I thought there was more than one scan today! Very pleased for you, that is the big milestone over and done with xx

@loulamay thats great news!

I’m still in limbo, unfortunately. Scan today showed a heartbeat (great!) but possibly irregular and also measuring 4 days behind. Not necessarily the end of the world but have to go back in a week for another scan. Hopefully by then will have caught up, or at least made a week’s worth of progress to show that our little bean is progressing normally. Fingers crossed it does.

Thanks for all the well-wishes.

Another week of stress! 😩

@Jcm1985 oh it's never straight forward, is it? Did the clinic seem optimistic? I have watched quite a few ivf first trimester vblogs and I have seen some where baby is measuring behind but has been found to be growing fine, so they just amend the due date accordingly. Fingers crossed for you and sorry you are going through the added stress.

@Jcm1985 I'm sorry - the limbo is the worst. IVF is just waiting for the next appointment and worrying in between.

For what it's worth, our daughter was 3 days behind with a slower rate than they would have liked and had caught up by the next scan. Was yours a FET or a fresh transfer?

x

Thanks both

@wateringcanface The midwife just gave the facts and said that there’s really nothing to do other than wait. She said if I was measuring a week behind that it would be a conversation about preparing for the worst, but that’s it’s also perfectly possible to measure a few days behind at this stage. So now we wait. AGAIN!!

@loulamay it was a fresh 3-day transfer. Maybe it’s been a 3-day means it’s taken a little longer to get going? Who knows!