Photo: Pre-Transfer

Here is a photo of the two blastocysts selected for transfer on May 3rd, 2010.

One or both of these should now be about the size of a lentil bean. :-)

Multiples Can Happen

I just found out today that one of my fellow surrogates is pregnant with TRIPLETS. Like most of us, she received two 5-day blastocysts to boost the odds of achieving a pregnancy. However, not only did both blasts implant, but one of them split! She's carrying identical twins and a fraternal sister - all girls! So far all three babies are developing well. :-)

I'm aware that this is a possibility for me too; although I'd thought it "couldn't" happen, obviously it sometimes does.

Ultrasound on June 3rd.

hCG doubling

We are now 16dp5dt. The embryo/s are 21 days old.

My numbers are perfect for a 48 hour doubling. hCG is now 9790. Meds stay the same and I will have an ultrasound at Dr. Smotrich's office in just TWO WEEKS! June 3rd we will be 7 weeks along and ultrasound should reveal a little peanut (or two).

PREGNANT!! It's Official!

Dr. Smotrich called with the good news. My count is 4,506! To confirm a pregnancy he was looking for any number over 50. The high count could mean twins but we will have to wait to find out.

He asked how I am feeling.... So far, I have been blessed with 3 easy pregnancies with virtually NO morning sickness. Of course there are those moments when the pregnant body suddenly shouts "FEED ME! or else...!" If we are pregnant with twins then this could change.... but let's hope that it does not! I do get absolutely exhausted mid-afternoon but I'm finding that a glass of fresh organic vegetable juice is a great pick-me-up. (Chard/spinach/beet greens, cabbage, a beet and a lemon.)

Return appointment for Wednesday morning for another blood draw to check the doubling rate.

:-)

Another digital test

I had my blood drawn this morning for our official pregnancy test. Do you know how hard it is to wait for results!!? I just HAD to take another digital test (since I had another one left) and held my breath for the results..... Pregnant. Whew! We should have only good news when Dr. Smotrich calls this afternoon.

On a sad note, I came home to a nice hot bean soup in the crockpot but the lid was SHATTERED into a zillion little pieces. :-(

Digital Test Results....

PREGNANT!!

Hello All

So far I have had 5 positive test results beginning Monday which was 7dp5dt (7 days post 5-day transfer). I've been hesitant to share results prior to the official blood test on Monday, but, 5 tests positive is making me think we are successful this time around. Yay!!!

You may remember, last time I didn't have any positive tests at home and the blood test confirmed negative. My concern this time is that the Test line (pink) is so much lighter than the Control line. Looking at the back of the box, the example showed a similar difference in color intensity so maybe that is how this brand works. I think I will get a different brand and test again. Maybe one of the digital ones.

Any comments are appreciated. ;-)

A Good Sign!

Dr. Smotrich called this morning to tell me that 4 embryos from this new batch went on to develop into blastocysts in the culture fluid. This means that the two that I am carrying (which were of better quality) have terrific chances for further development and implantation. !!

Progesterone and Bedrest

I'm on bedrest and I discovered Progesterone/Delestrogen shots are easier when lying down. I've always given myself my shots and have done so sitting in a chair, twisting to the side. Lying on my side with one knee bent put less strain on my neck and shoulder (from twisting) and it was easier to get into the muscle. In hindsight I realize that sitting makes for a plumper tush, whereas lying down with a bent leg smooths and thins the fatty layer. Is it coincidence that I didn't bleed this time? (Well, there was one small dot of blood, but there's usually a dribble.)

Transfer Complete

We transferred two blastocycsts this morning at La Jolla IVF. The procedure was much the same as last time with the main difference being location. Last time I kept my own clothes on and we were in a quiet room with a typical OB/Gyn table... this time I was asked to strip and change into a hospital gown complete with hairnet, and then we moved into the OR (which is right there in Dr. Smotrich's facility) for the transfer. I have pictures of the two blastocysts and of my uterus after transfer. I will try to get those posted soon, but, I'm on bedrest now and the scanner is out in the garage. :-)

I wore my lucky necklace (a gift for luck from my IPs) and was able to speak with our Intended Mother just prior to the transfer. She wished me good luck, and of course I wish her luck too!

Dr. Smotrich prayed over the little ones and spoke of Genesis 1:28 where God tells his people to "be fruitful and multiply". I believe I caught him with a tear in his eye... :-) He truly wants his clients to have the family they are seeking. And so do I.