BFPs after IVF - part 3 (babies start arriving)

[HopefulllHolly]

Hi all,

SENSITIVE CONTENT - discusses pregnancy and birth after infertility

Continuation of previous threads for anyone with a BFP following IVF. This thread we should have some of us giving birth!

@anniestar12
@dippyduck19
@fluffyted
@leaf86
@loup87
@natty2
@thepeachgoose
@always28
@edf

Hi everyone - starting another thread! Will post the link in the other thread in case others still want to chat but for now have only added people who have posted more recently. 😊

Congratulations @Edf !!! Enjoy all the new baby snuggles.

Agree with @AnnieStar12 - weirdly my 8 and a half pound baby and my 5 pound baby both fitted newborn. I think a lot has to do with length - my 5lber is still very long so needed newborn over tiny baby size, but the fabric still swamps her a bit. 0-3 month was still massive on my first bigger baby, he wasn’t in that until 3+ weeks old.

@Edf aww congratulations on your baby girl!!! 🩷 and wow for a quick labour!!! Glad you're back home, enjoy your new little bubble!!!

@AnnieStar12 I've checked all the sizes I have. Some sleep suits in newborn goes up to 7lb 5. Others 9lb. I also have up to 1m which is 10lb. So have packed all of those! I don't have such a variety of vest sizes. Worst case will send DP out to buy some or I'll pop out later today to get some (and if I don't use can take them back).

Hi all, will catch up with all messages after a nice sleep, but baby boy finally made his arrival this afternoon - 8lbs 9!

@LouP87 Awww congratulations!! What a trooper you are! And he is a lovely size, not big at all!! ❤️ lots of love

@LouP87 congratulations on the arrival of baby boy 🩵🩵🩵 so pleased for you. Not a bad weight too!!! Enjoy your little bubble and hope you get some sleep!

@LouP87 Congratulations! Hope you are enjoying that sleep and you and baby are safe and well. When you're ready, do tell us your birth story if you're happy to x

Update from me: I had my 36 week scan today and baby has got massive - overall on 94th percentile, estimated to be over 7lbs already, and her belly is off the scale now. So I am going back first thing in the morning for another GD test and should have an appointment with a doctor next week. Bit stressful and confusing as not really sure what it all means and still no indication of when I will have my c-section date.

@Edf huge congratulations on your baby girl! Hope you are settling in well at home 💕

@LouP87 congratulations on your boy! Hope you are recovering well 🩵

@AnnieStar12 how did you get on yesterday? Hope you can get some answers this week!

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 hope your induction goes well this weekend! Hopefully baby will be here very soon 🩵

Baby boy is here! We are absolutely besotted with him!!! Arrived early hours this morning.
Ended up being a semi-emergency c-section but glad with my decision to go this route.

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 Awwwww lovely I’m so so pleased for you!! So glad he arrived safely and you’re doing ok. Glad you made the right decision for you. Enjoy that baby bubble ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Congratulations what a journey!!

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 congratulations, how exciting you have your baby boy. Glad he’s safely with you now x

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 wonderful news, congratulations!! Hope you and baby boy are doing well 🩵🩵

Huge congratulations @LouP87 and @WhiskeyInTheJar33 ! 🥰🥰 The babies are coming thick and fast now!!

How’s everyone doing? Hope all the mummy’s are recovering ok!

Just had my final antenatal consultant appointment to discuss birth choices and it was quite eventful! The consultant was lovely but very adamant I should be getting baby out at term. I argued my point quite a bit and we’ve landed on an elected section just after 40 weeks - which is scary - next week basically. Until then I’m going to keep trying to get her out spontaneously and continue with my planned sweeps this week and next in the hope they get things going.
Also had to go for a swab as they were concerned I was leaking my waters as I’ve had quite a lot of water leakage the last week, but all good.
Ended up being a very long day today and I feel a bit anxious about caesarean so just going to do some reading and make a good playlist to have her to. Any tips from caesarean mummy’s please let me know! Xx

@Edf CONGRATULATIONS! Enjoy your little chaos. So impressed with your quick labour and being back home on the same day

@LouP87 CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DID IT! Well done you, it must not have been an easy week last week but you got to the end of it and now you have a little bundle of joy to enjoy

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 CONGRATULATIONS! I'm pleased that you felt in control with your decision-making and hope you're enjoying your little bubba right now

@Fluffyted oh god, I feel like I jinxed your first attempt at a c-section with my previous post lol but I so appreciate you sharing your experience as I feel it sets the expectations for anyone else here planning for an elective. Poor you not eating for like 13 hours! I'm not sure if I missed any posts, but hope that the section worked out, everyone is healthy and you're enjoying your little bubba

@Natty2 how are you getting on with the insulin? is it easier to control your blood sugar levels now?

@AnnieStar12 how did your GD test go? hopefully you get your section date this week after the chat with the consultant

@HopefulllHolly good job to your partner for being as clued up as he can be, and good job to you for using your breathing techniques to calm yourself down! We just watched the HPHB videos on that last night.
Both my husband and I have some moments where we feel overwhelmed (it doesn't feel like there's a lot of time left and we haven't even gotten to the part of taking care of a baby in our classes, but I did check out some videos ahead so that I can start putting in some orders for bits and bobs), so we should probably practise those breathing techniques as well lol
It sounds like one way or another your baby will come out in the next week or so! How exciting! You've got this and you're doing your best and whatever happens, you'll make the best choices for you and your baby, I'm sure

@HopefulllHolly why does the consultant want the baby out at term? Hope you’re feeling okay about it all, and ultimately how exciting baby will be here so soon!!

@ThePeachGoose i got the results back today and thankfully I don’t have GD.

I’m now just waiting for this obstetrician appointment which I think I will need to chase annoyingly!

@AnnieStar12 Thats great news about your GD results! Bet you are pleased! 😊
Basically had a really in depth chat about it and the consultant has worries about my placenta function, the fact it’s IVF so they know dates and hospital policy is baby out at term, and the fact I’ve had reduced movements a lot (had more on Saturday but didn’t go in, got told off again), and she’s measuring quite big already for a first baby. I had planned to have a C-section from 40+5 so we’ve compromised and pulled it forward slightly, with me still having sweeps to try and encourage spontaneous labour. I absolutely put my foot down on induction - too many people I know have had a really drawn out experience of induction ending in intervention and I want to avoid that. So I feel comfortable with where I’ve landed tbh! Just trying to get my head round that most likely she will be C-section, which I absolutely don’t mind at all, but had kind of pushed it out my mind so need to work out some coping mechanisms as I’ve never had surgery before and I’m scared of something so major tbh! But otherwise I’m excited to meet her. Hopefully will hear back on dates quickly (they said by Thursday when I’m 39 weeks) and go in for my pre-op late this week or early next.
Sweep today anyway, see if we can get her out which I am dreading! I had quite bad cramping after just a swab at the hospital yesterday so I’m very nervous.

Thank you everyone for your well wishes. We came home from hospital yesterday lunchtime. It's all been a bit surreal but we've survived our first night at home!

I'll share a brief-ish update of my labour and series of events that lead to me choosing a c-section. Hopefully it does not make anyone anxious!

We arrived at hospital at 11am for induction. The midwife examined me and said I was 2cm (no change from the sweep on Thursday) and we could go ahead with the dilation rods. Went into a room to have the 4 rods inserted and the midwife performing this said I was in fact 3cm dilated and the rods would just fall out! She said they can just break my waters but will need a bed on the labour ward.

Was transferred to labour ward at 5pm and waters were broke at 6pm. They were going to give me 2hrs to walk around to get my contractions going. If they didn't start, I would need the drip.

Within 15 minutes they had started. Within an hour they were soo intense I was getting 3-4 very strong, prolonged contraction every 10 minutes and was considered to be in active labour. Only had 30-45 seconds between each contractions. All my pain relief options did not help - paracetamol, tens, gas & air (made me feel awful). Could not have pethidine etc as I'm allergic to codeine. By 9pm I asked for a mobile epidural which took an hour to insert. Heaven!!! I was virtually pain free and could still mobilise around the room.
However, it slowed my labour. Contractions stopped (1-2 in 10 minutes) and did not progress past 4cm.
Midnight - Baby passed meconium and was becoming a bit distressed. The on-call doctor came to review me and suggested putting me on the drip to get my contractions going again. However, given that baby had 💩 and heart rate was dipping in certain positions, she said there would be a low threshold for intervention and will likely need forceps/ventouse and/or EMCS. I declined the drip and opted for the semi-EMCS (as there was no particular rush to get baby out there and then).
4am was taken into theatre and baby delivered crying his little lungs out 20 minutes later! He still needed forceps to get him out as was low in the birth canal! Within the hour was stitched, having skin to skin with baby and fed him in recovery. DP was with me the whole time and got to cut the cord.

The section was nowhere near as bad as I would have imagined and was happy with the decision I made. If I was to do it again, I'd opt for an ELCS.
I had control of my legs within several hours. Catheter out within 12 hours and could walk around. Pain has not been too bad. Yesterday was the worst of it, as was not allowed oramorph if I wanted to go home! And as I cant have codeine, I'm just relying on paracetamol and ibuprofen. I do have some very low dose codeine that I may take tonight as have struggled getting in/out of bed and has less of an effect on me.

@HopefulllHolly if you have any specific questions about the section, please ask! I kind of wished I'd opted for it a long time ago! After all my back and forth about what I wanted to do and the wobbles early on if I needed a section because of the cysts. I needn't have worried!

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 thanks for sharing, sounds like you went through a lot! Glad you were pleased with the C-section in the end. I can remember after the emergency C-section last time thinking it wasn’t actually so bad! Hence why I’m opting for an elective this time. So lovely you’re home already too, hope you’re managing to get some rest and recovery time x

@HopefulllHolly oh yea that makes sense not to let you go too far. You seem like you have your head screwed on and have done all your research so you’ll be great however baby comes
out. Good luck with the sweep today! Do they have to check if your cervix is softening already before doing it?

I am relieved about the GD results, but a bit frustrated I’ve not yet been given an obstetrician appointment to discuss the potential risks of baby being so big. Will be chasing today!

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 Thanks for sharing! Sorry you had a bit of a wild ride! Basically summarises exactly why I have point blank refuses induction! Glad you ended up with a calm section, even if not totally planned! What did your partner see while you were having the section? My partner is highly highly squeamish and I’ve read a few stories of partners seeing your insides when they lower the curtain when baby comes out - I don’t want him to have to see any of that stuff as I know he’ll be anxious anyway. And it would shock me and I’m fine with that kind of thing! Did he see anything when he cut the cord?

@AnnieStar12 Oh bless you - it’s annoying chasing for dates. I guess they already know
you want a section do they so maybe they’ll just wait to 38 weeks and just book you in for your section at 39 weeks? That’s the only thing I’d guess maybe!

Had my sweep - was NOT FUN. Really painful and she was in there for ages. As I thought, my cervix is still really high, she couldn’t reach it despite trying really hard for ages. I have always thought that baby would have come late if she had the chance so I think I will end up having the section. I actually think I might prefer it anyway now from hearing stories and doing lots of reading last night. Been to buy a load of stuff for constipation and wind from Boots to help in preparation! 😅 Really hope we get the date soon, I am a very impatient control freak as I’ve worked out during the last 9 months! 🤣

@HopefulllHolly sounds like you gave it a good go with the sweep. Sorry it was uncomfortable. Now it’s just a case of wait and see when baby’s ready to appear. Not long at all!
As for preparing for the possible section - I’ve brought peppermint capsules from Holland and Barrett as they’re suppose to be good to get your wind going, glamorous - haha! But I think trapped wind is horrible and can happen after surgery so I plan to have them ready to pop straight away!
I have also packed some laxatives to take with me for post surgery.
Other thing I’ve been recommended is the Tena silhouette disposable pants which are apparently great for post section. I’ve packed some
of those plus some giant knickers and maternity pads. So all options covered!
Would your section be 28th then?
Ive spoken to the person who manages the C-section diary and I am on the list for the 30th. But still not been sent an appointment to discuss my scan results with a doctor and whether or not the date needs bringing forward.

@AnnieStar12 Yeah I got some wind relief, some glycerin suppositories, more peppermint tea (I drink lots anyway), and a stool softener. So have quite a bit. Have some stuff from the hospital that my partner got for his hernia operation too which is meant to be good. Got lots of the disposable pants and pads too, and bought some more extra high waist knickers. Not sure what else I need now, feel like I’m ready whatever happens!
No im due next week - so I’ll have her any time from 39+4 to 40+2 they said. So latest will be the 25th though I think they were keen to have me have her before 40 weeks, as usually would be 39 weeks.
That’s good news you have a date for the 30th! I wouldn’t say you need to bring it forward as c sections are fine for bigger babies anyway so it’s not really a risk to leave it as it is - that’s what I’d assume anyway. Especially with no GD they know it’s just a naturally bigger baby maybe? I wouldn’t worry and just work towards your 30th date. Sounds like the same time frame as mine will end up to be honest 🙂

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 thank you for sharing your birth story - I’m so glad the Emcs was a calm one and baby and you were / are ok. ❤️

@AnnieStar12 fingers crossed you get your appointment through soon and can feel more settled with your plan. Really good news about the GD.

@HopefulllHolly sorry the sweep was so painful. It was for me too. My friend even said her sweep was worse than actual labour pains 😂 so I don’t think we are wimps. If you are more settled on the c section now, you can always request to bring it forward to 39 weeks (this is what I did first time around), although I’m not sure how often this kind of request is accommodated. I suppose it depends on the diary. You sound super prepared and have all the things I would think of for wind and constipation relief. I personally have never had trapped wind post c section and the first poo isn’t actually that painful, just a little scary as you can’t bear down very easily! 😅 I would bring a little notebook and write down when they bring you your pain relief - I’ve been overdosed twice 😶 and I think the postnatal midwives are very busy so it might be worth keeping track independently. I also cannot recommend silverrette nipple cups enough for nipple pain when establishing breastfeeding. It was super painful for me this time around and the cups made a huge difference until the nips adjusted . I used them in hospital from day 1 onwards. Slip on shoes / slippers are also very useful for padding around the ward and for when you leave, as bending is tricky at first.

Things are good with us - baby girl has gone from just over 5lb to now over 6lb, so we are happy with that and she seems to be growing well. Feeding is exhausting 😅😅 I think because she’s so little, she needs to eat little and often. This isn’t very conducive to much sleep at the moment, but we are surviving. I think initially I was trying to manage too much too soon; be with my toddler, take him out at weekends with baby in tow etc (and also we had a few post birth hospital visits for me and her that took predictably ages). I therefore had a bit more pain and bleeding than last time, so I’ve made an effort to rot inside today with films and naps when baby naps and I feel a bit better.

@HopefulllHolly he was stood behind my head during the prep but, so could see them shaving me, covering me in iodine etc, nothing major. once the screen went up he couldn't see anything. We were asked once the baby was out did I want the screen lowered to see him straight away, I said yes. Again couldn't see anything of me from the chest down. Just baby lifted high enough for us to see. You could also explain to the team before they start. He did walk round to cut the cord during the section. He said he probably could have looked if he wanted to but didn't (he is also very squeamish). Baby was cleaned before he was called over to cut the cord. Baby and partner then walked back over to me for cuddles while I was being stitched.

DP said the worst bit was that hated seeing me in pain, not myself and said the epidural was scary. I was trying my hardest to stay still between each contraction (which was difficult). And because I have a herniated disc they put the epidural in higher up my back. At one point I was getting sever nerve pain down one leg and numbness down the other leg so they had to keep adjusting the spinal catheter to ensure it wasn't going to cause any back injury. He had visions of me being paralysed. If this had been done as part of a planned section, with no contractions, it would have been ok.

DP has just been out to stock up on wind relief and lactulose for me. I also recommend the Tena style adult nappies. I ordered the Amazon branded ones and seem to be ok.

Also if you don't have GD, my consultant said there's a 30% chance of the scan measurements being wrong! Baby was measuring 1lb less than my scan measurements. Scan was at 38+6. Baby arrived 39+5. So definitely some room for error.

Hopefully you hear soon!

@WhiskeyInTheJar33 hope you're feeling well and starting to recover. Thanks for that reassurance, I do know those growth scans are famously inaccurate! And the most important thing is no GD, just be nice to actually get to speak to someone about it!

Good shout on the nipple shields, have heard others say they're good too - will look in to them. Also on the slip on shoes - I've got myself some furry lined Crocs the other day which I now wear everyday already!

@HopefulllHolly Similar to Whiskey above, when I had a section the last time, my partner said he realised if he turned around he could have seen more than he wanted to - it wasn't so much during the procedure as then he was beside my head. But during the after bit when the baby was born and in the little cot he was over with her and the midwife weighing and cleaning the baby - I guess that's when they would be sewing me back up - he said he realised he could have turned and seen everything at that point and made a conscious effort to turn towards me instead. I had also specifically said I didn't want him to look that side of the sheet!!
You sound well and truly ready for any eventuality - how are you going to pass the next few days? I've found I'm sleeping loads in the day atm so trying to keep plans minimal and only do one thing per day.

@Leaf86 well done for getting baby gaining a pound of weight already - great work! Good that you are resting today and trying to focus on yourself