Pregnancy 12 week + post IVF/infertility - general chat and support

[Janefx40]

I thought I would start a thread for those of us pregnant post IVF/infertility. There are lots of pregnancy clubs on Mumsnet but it feels like a slightly different experience having got here the hard way!

I've put 12 weeks + because there is another group for women who have just got their BFPs. That is such an anxious time and definitely needs support.

But I thought this group might pick us up a little further along - over the first panic but still learning about the experience.

Not being exclusive tho - if you think this is the group for you, come along in...

So come and join us if you would like to xxx

Fox I was so upset on the day they told me, don’t even know why 🤷🏻‍♀️ But feel better now. Scared to death but fine 😅 suddenly google search changed from “how not to poop during labour” to different questions 😂😂 how do you feel about c section? Not scared at all?

@Aliona19 no, I’m not actually scared as it has been my choice since I remember myself. I never had natural birth as an option even. I found this great blog Forever Amber where one of her posts is about elective c section and then few posts about following op. Personally I found her posts the most reassuring and realistic so maybe they may help you too.
Are you also scheduled for 2nd Nov?

Fox I don’t know why I am scared. I had loads of surgeries in my life and never was worried. Just the thought of being awake and possibly feeling something is freaking me out.. or if something goes wrong and I am awake, just the thought of knowing that something is wrong 🤦🏻‍♀️ And my OH taking 2 weeks off, but other than that I have absolutely no one to help me out. Hope I will be ok after 2 weeks. Yes, it’s 2nd November for me too 😱😱 I am in London, Homerton. That’s the fertility clinic I was with so decided to stick with them as they made me pregnant 😄

@Aliona19 same with me. I’m in North London and although they where not responsible for getting me pregnant I’m sticking close to home 😁
Also same as you, I only really have my DH. He may take 1week now one over the Christmas as we like our holiday time together. As I’m not from England originally, my family is not here. But I do have my stepdaughter and little granddaughter. 😊 but she is now back at work... so yes, I’m on my own too.
Regarding heartburn- I’m sooooo lucky I don’t have them (once or twice only so I know they are awful). For me it really is inability to sleep.., and that’s why I’m desperate for these two weeks to go quickly 🤞🤞🤞
I suppose I understand being awake part, but read that blog I mentioned. Every time I feel shaky knees I read it and I feel better.
So I’m planning to stay up till about midnight and when I’m toooooo tired I stand a chance of actually getting some sleep

How exciting @Aliona19 - you and @Fox23 the same day, amazing news! Great news about all the other lovely ladies too. My due date is 2 weeks after your section date though frankly i’m surprised this baby hasn’t already wrestled it’s way out, I feel like i’m in for a handful 😂.

Swim 😅 I know. My little lady is surprisingly quiet today (not panicking yet😅) moving slowly and being gentle. Some days she would kick me in my ribs like a karate kid 🤦🏻‍♀️ And I am worried about her trying to get out earlier than she should, as my c section only a week before due date 😰

My heartburn started since the day I got my positive, right now keeping me awake every night. Every couple of hours I have to get up and have some antacid pills otherwise it feels like someone poured acid in my throat. This better go away after baby is born 😤 and my hips are killing me. Other than that I am ok. I will have a look at this blog, thanks.
I am not from uk either and I am too living in North London 😁😁 so what hospital u going to? Northmid or something?

@Aliona19 hello! So lovely to hear from you. 2 weeks to go. Amazing that we have all come so far. Lovely that you are going to have your baby on the same day as @Fox23 We will have thread twins! X

@cannonball8726 welcome. I would NEVER say this to someone currently experiencing infertility as it would upset them but the truth is, I think there is even more anxiety this side of the BFP than before. I didn't know the worry could get worse than that but I went to a whole new level. Of course being pregnant is wonderful too - so I'm not complaining. But it is hard to cope with. Personally I did get better as I progressed - early weeks I was essentially insane I was so obsessed with worry. I still worry now (27 weeks) but less intensely.

Time and chatting to women on Mumsnet is all that got me through. The longer the pregnancy continues the more I can believe it may last...sorry not to have any tips but stick on here for sympathy xxx

Janefx40 👋🏼 Hey! I know right?? All seem so far away now, well for me. Sometimes I still read infertility threads and all this questions “what to expect at first app”, it’s like it’s been years ago 😱 how r you feeling?

Welcome cannonball like the girls have said once you feel movements it gets better. The only advice I can give is try not to stress, I just got on with things, had a holiday/days out went to work and it seemed to take my mind off everything.
aliona I can’t believe you are two weeks away!! I am 34 weeks today and being induced at 39! So not long for me either. The heartburn, I’ve had since about 20 weeks in I got tablets off the doctor but the last few weeks they haven’t even touched the sides. so I’ve just been drinking bottles of gaviscon and drinking McDonald’s milkshakes. Believe it or not they are then only thing that helps!!
It feels so long ago that we were all at the first stages and look at us now!!
Xx

@Aliona19 hi! 😊 lovely to hear about all the babies. I look back and think about going through the treatment and the failures and feel so grateful (still can’t believe it tho!) to be here now.

Had a really uncomfy sleep last night. Wondering who has used a pregnancy and pillow, and if they are worth it? X

@beherenow32 nothing helpful to say but I'm also considering a pregnancy pillow, I tend to move a lot and throw any normal pillows I'm propped up with on the floor so would be grateful for any help.

It's so lovely a few of you from the same boards are all on here together. I fell off my TTC board and wonder if the others are doing ok.

I agree with the massive paranoia, definitely still waiting for something to go wrong but starting to relax a little more as I feel her move more but not enough to be a pattern I need to track!!

I left mine too Ema. Most hadsuccess long before me and I started to find my repeated failures too hard to cope with so left the board. Feel a bit of a stranger here and also so early in conpared to most not sure I fit here either.

Good morning all!
Had another horrendous night sleep... was up at 3.... and then fell asleep at 7 till just now. Regarding the pregnancy pillows- I bought the v shape one from Ikea. I can honestly say, I can not imagine my life without it!!!! Now, do get spare covers as (TMI to follow) at night I do soooooo many trips to loo and as soon as I’m back in the bed, one end goes between my legs the other I sort of hug close to my face. But on the next trip to loo... I don’t know which end was just down there so.... clean covers reduce the hygiene issue.
But as I said- I would not ever give my pillow up!
💕

I love my pregnancy pillow. Can snuggle in and be comfy 😂😂

Hey Liverpool, gym bunny 😅 I can’t do gaviscon, taste is just killing me 😅 rennies for me. It’s managable through the day, but nights are nightmare. Some say bananas help, lol, for me that’s the biggest trigger. I will feel better after fry up rather than from a banana 🤦🏻‍♀️😅

Beherenow, Emalady.. I know.. all the worries and heartbreak, we nearly made it 😍
As for pillow, I didn’t get one, just have small pillows between my legs. Problem is-hips still hurt even with pillows, so not sure if pregnancy pillow is a massive difference 🤷🏻‍♀️

I'm 6 weeks. I can't find the thread you mentioned about under 12weeks BFP after ivf. Anyone assist? Or I'll just wait and join this one after 12 weeks 🙂

@HJ82 there’s a thread on the infertility board. I will tag you on it x

Oh and thank you for pillow advice! I want one! X

@Beherenow32 Thanks dear. Nice to see you again. We were on the July ivf thread together! My pregnancy is natural after failed ivf. I thought that's what this board was xx

Uuugghhh aliona I can’t eat bananas. I like banana tasting things but I can eat an actual one 😂 ahh I stopped the gym at 31 weeks. I’m missing it, I’m looking forward to getting back in January!

Lol Liverpool 😂 bananaphobia?!?! 😂😂 I love bananas but can’t eat them now, seriously, heartburn is my worst ever pregnancy symptom. I want to get fit too, looking at my photos from last year, skinny rat. And now even my legs are too heavy for my partner 😂😂

@HJ82 oh I remember 😊 congrats! That’s the best news! I’m 19 weeks but still chatting on the early thread too. You’ll be welcome there. Although I do find this one a bit more active xx

Because I don’t get heartburn I don’t have any meds at home, but last week I got one episode of heartburn so I Googled natural remedies and grapes were there. As I had some at home I tried it- heartburn disappeared immediately.
And regarding weight gain- this is such a painful issue. My mom sent me picture of me from 5 years ago wearing high school graduation dress... now I would be lucky to get one leg in it.... 😢
Two weeks, two weeks, two weeks....

Fox yes, I am hooked up on grapes. Don’t usually eat them, but now I don’t stop. Also apples make me feel better. And watermelon, even now when the season is over, lee buying tiny ones from supermarkets. Obsessed with watermelons. But that’s all day time remedy’s ..night time is bad 😭😭

Thanks @swimchick1980, @fox23, @aliona19, @janefx40 and @liverpool19 for the welcome and tips. It helps to know I'm not alone in feeling like this! I am going to try and be a bit more positive - or at least stay distracted and busy!

So exciting that there are so many babies on the way here! And so soon!

Congrats @HJ82! We cycled together on the June/ July thread. Very pleased for you!