Summer miracles 2023

[Leezo]

Hey - just thought I'd start this thread for anyone expecting a special delivery in Summer 2024. I am officially 15 weeks today and an EDD of 12/7/23!!
Would love to share my journey with others in a similar boat xx

[amyprice88]

Hi Leezo, congratulations that's fantastic news!! I think we have cycled together a couple of times before. I am currently 16 weeks and 3 days with an EDD of 5/7/23 xx

[Leezo]

Oh Amy that's fabulous news!!! Yes indeed we've been on a few journeys together and now we've both hit the jackpot at the same time!
How are you getting on? How are you feeling?
I get to stop my progesterone on Wednesday so I'm super excited about that!!xx

[amyprice88]

That's great that you get to stop your progesterone, I was told I could stop mine at 12 weeks but was to nervous to stop so carried on until 14 weeks. I'm feeling good, worrying about every little thing but I think that's to be expected with my history. Counting down the days until my 20 week scan as I feel like I might relax a little after that. How are you feeling?x

[Leezo]

That's great that you get to stop your progesterone, I was told I could stop mine at 12 weeks but was to nervous to stop so carried on until 14 weeks. I'm feeling good, worrying about every little thing but I think that's to be expected with my history. Counting down the days until my 20 week scan as I feel like I might relax a little after that. How are you feeling?x

I'm officially progesterone free! 16 weeks plus 1 and also counting down the days until my next scan. I've a midwife appointment on Tuesday, do they listen to baby's heartbeat at that appointment? I'd love just the reassurance that everything is ok. I had been really sick from literally 4 weeks then it started to tail off a bit from 13 weeks to vomiting every other day. Now I've been vomit free since Saturday so feeling hopeful! Still feeling nauseous throughout the day but not actually being sick. It seems to have been overtaken by heartburn at night and in the morning. I'm also suffering badly from insomnia which does not seem to be going anywhere. I'm waiting patiently for this pregnancy glow that people talk about!
How are you feeling? I completely understand your constant worry - I don't think anyone could blame us with our history. I would love to enjoy this pregnancy but I'm not sure I'll ever get to that point.
Have you discussed a birth plan yet?xx

[amyprice88]

Yay for being progesterone free do you have an appointment for your next scan? My 16 week appointment with the midwife I got to hear the heartbeat but from what I've read it seems to depend on your midwife. I'm glad the vomiting has eased off for you, that must have been awful. I'm still waiting for this pregnancy glow people promise, it doesn't seem to be in sight! I'm feeling OK otherwise, struggling with constipation but have had lactulose from the midwife so hoping that will sort it. I've got my first consultant appointment after my 20 week scan so am wondering if my birth plan will be discussed then, I'm not really sure if I'm honest xx

[Leezo]

Hey! I'm 17 weeks today and my goodness the constipation is unreal..... I too had to start the Lactulose. I thought my fibre and water intake was really good but apparently Bubz did not agree!
I had my MW appointment yesterday and got to hear Bubz heartbeat. There were a few very tense minutes as she couldn't find it straight away but as soon as I heard the thump thump I just exploded into tears!! Mood has definitely lifted since then.
Was quite surprised talking to the MW that she was very pro elective section. I was waiting for the natural is best chat but she was more advocating the surgical option. She didn't quite say but I think it was down to our history and my age.
I still haven't received a date for my 20 week scan but I've got my 25 week consultant appointment pencilled in.
How are you feeling? Xx

[amyprice88]

That's fantastic that you heard the heartbeat!! I think with the journey you've had to get here it's only natural to feel a bit emotional when you hit milestones. I hope the lactulose has given you some relief, I'm still struggling but have found that lactulose along with a baby food pouch of prunes (random I know) each day seems to help.
If I'm completely honest I can't make myself look so far ahead as the birth but I've got my first consultant appointment at 23 weeks so I'm sure I'll have to start thinking about it soon. Have you had your 20 week scan date through yet?
I'm feeling OK but starting to feel the scan anxiety, 8 days to go. Symptoms wise I still think I'm more bloat than bump but have got some groin pain so I think baby is growing, no sign of movement yet although I'm not sure I could tell if there was. How are you doing?x

[Leezo]

Hey Amy - just on the brink of 19 weeks now yeeeaahhh!!
Constipation is resolving itself with orange juice and chia seed combo every morning - it's a miracle cure.
20 week scan is next Tuesday when I'll be 19+6. I've booked a wee appointment with my MW this morning - more for reassurance than anything else. I keep getting really negative thoughts that something has gone wrong and I just need to hear baby's Hb again. Nothing rational has happened - no bleed not heavy cramps just my irrational brain - she's going to think I'm cuckoo.....
How are you feeling?
My hips and lack of sleep is sending me scatty but apart from that all is good here xx

[amyprice88]

Hi Leezo, I hope the midwife appointment went well and gave you some reassurance? No need to worry about seeming cuckoo, my poor husband thinks I've lost the plot. That's great that you've got a date for your scan, not much longer to wait. I had mine today and we have a healthy boy who is already very stubborn, it took 3 attempts to get all the measurements but we got there. Sorry to hear you're struggling with your hips, I've bought a body pillow which I've found a great help for my lower back/hips it might be worth a try x

[Leezo]

Hi Leezo, I hope the midwife appointment went well and gave you some reassurance? No need to worry about seeming cuckoo, my poor husband thinks I've lost the plot. That's great that you've got a date for your scan, not much longer to wait. I had mine today and we have a healthy boy who is already very stubborn, it took 3 attempts to get all the measurements but we got there. Sorry to hear you're struggling with your hips, I've bought a body pillow which I've found a great help for my lower back/hips it might be worth a try x

Oh Amy congratulations with your little bundle of blue!!! Had to be a boy with the stubbornness!
How are you getting on? When's your next appointment? Has the anxiety gone now you've seen your little boy?
My appointment was great - no better day to hear your baby's heartbeat than Valentine's day!! I think I'm definitely feeling a bit more movement that I really can't put down to wind anymore which is comforting. I'm back to work on Monday so I'm going to have to tell them and I'm not looking forward to it as my scans on Tuesday. I'm going to plan something very chilled out for the weekend to try and take my mind off it xx

[Bean87]

Hi,
Congrats and so lovely to see more summer miracle babies and seeing how they are growing etc.
We have our little miracle due 2nd of August, very exciting, yet terrifying and overwhelming also.
Ours seems different with midwife appointments, my 16 week check is next week (which will be week 17) and that is via the telephone! The following week we have the consultant again via the telephone. Then 20 week scan 20th March. Not going to find out the gender though, keeping that as a surprise for the big summer arrival.
Beginning to feel more real now, bump defo growing, my jeans etc do not fit anymore. Felt the first movement yesterday which was really bizarre yet lovely!

[amyprice88]

Hi Leezo I hope your scan goes well today. Do you plan on finding out the gender? How did it go telling work yesterday? That's great that you're starting to feel movement, I'm still not sure if I've felt real movement or not yet. I'm doing well thanks, I definitely feel a bit more relaxed now I've had the scan but I'm sure it won't be long before I find something else to worry about. My next appointment is the 8th March and that will be my first consultant appointment.
Welcome Bean87 and congratulations! There does seem to be a lot of variation in appointments etc depending on where you live. That's great that bump is growing and you've started to feel movement. Is this your first? Good luck for your 16 week check this week x

[Bean87]

Hi Amy,
This is my first pregnancy and first go at IVF so we were very fortunate on that front!
16 week check went well, whooping cough vaccine booked in, more ferrous fumerate needed, and the joys of the glucose tolerance test booked in as I am 35.
Also got first consultant appointment via the phone 3rd March, not sure really what to expect there tbh.
Seems all of a sudden lots of appointments and feels more real
Best of luck for your consultant appointment x

[amyprice88]

Hi Bean I'm glad your appointment went well and you've got your next one booked. Do you have your 20 week scan soon? I turn 35 just before my due date so may end up with the extra tests myself, I'm hoping I'll know more after seeing the consultant. How are you feeling?x

[Bean87]

Hi Amy,
20 week scan is 20th March, so not too long to go now. Pregnancy wise feeling alright other than struggling with anaemia I have been ok.
Seem to be picking up every bug going round (the joys of being a Primary school teacher) so full of another cold!! Colds when you cannot really have anything to help really suck! I have a lung condition so really hoping to not end up with another chest infection.
How are you feeling? Have you kept well? X

[Purple286]

Hi all

I didn't realise there was a bump section on here and so pleased to see you started a summer babies thread Leezo

Congrats Amyprice- we cycled together previously too and so happy you're over 20 weeks now. I was starting to believe this wasn't going to happen for me but blessed to be 25 weeks now I had my consultant appt at 22 wks and actually didn't really say much! Other than usual how am I doing questions and any questions for him. Think all the birth stuff is from 32 weeks where I am so no need to think about until much later! The midwive 24 wk one was similar just a check in. 8th March I've got my Glucose test as I'm 40 and baby is a little on the big side. My OH is 6ft 5 though so they said not to worry!

Also hi Bean87, congratulations! I definitely am picking up bugs easier. Regularly have a blocked nose and sore throat. I found that Jakeman's honey and lemon cough sweets are allowed and helped when couldn't sleep with a tickly cough.
Can imagine being a teacher that's a nightmare are you also finding yourself more tired when get home? I think definitely better since the second trimester but still feel shattered after a day in the office. 20 weeks will be soon and you'll get to see your baby again, it was really lovely. Although I now do wish we'd got a private scan about 17 weeks as baby was shy so the pic for 12 and 20 weeks are very funny and wish had a good one!

This week I'm good but last week had a big wobble. I think it must be natural after IVF and losses. We're doing the best we can with the information available I keep telling myself!

Have a good week all xx

[Bean87]

Hi,
How did your consultant appointments go?
I think mine was more of a hinderance than a help! I felt like she was basically telling me all of the worst case scenarios and just ended up feeling really crappy about everything!
E.g. because my iron has been low she wants an urgent blood test to check B12 and Folate, of they are low then I am at a huge risk of a neural tube defect! (That made me feel like my body is not good enough and meaning that bump is not thriving because of me) she wants extra growth scans because I have had a chest infection Christmas time and that could have affected baby. She went through so many things that could go wrong or the extra risks of IVF, plus deficiencies! Kinda wish I had not had the call or that she just said about the tests but not listing everything that could go wrong. Really did not help my anxieties in the slightest, just ended up in a big tearful mess. It was also over the phone which I think may not have helped matters!
Hope everyone is doing well x

[Purple286]

Hi,
How did your consultant appointments go?
I think mine was more of a hinderance than a help! I felt like she was basically telling me all of the worst case scenarios and just ended up feeling really crappy about everything!
E.g. because my iron has been low she wants an urgent blood test to check B12 and Folate, of they are low then I am at a huge risk of a neural tube defect! (That made me feel like my body is not good enough and meaning that bump is not thriving because of me) she wants extra growth scans because I have had a chest infection Christmas time and that could have affected baby. She went through so many things that could go wrong or the extra risks of IVF, plus deficiencies! Kinda wish I had not had the call or that she just said about the tests but not listing everything that could go wrong. Really did not help my anxieties in the slightest, just ended up in a big tearful mess. It was also over the phone which I think may not have helped matters!
Hope everyone is doing well x

Hi Bean,

Oh that's not helpful at all and sorry left you feeling like that and phone probably made it harder. I feel like there is quite a difference between the consultant and midwife. I feel confident the midwife would offer support and guidance and think consultants are perhaps used to being at the medical end of things so less nurturing?

Your body definitely is good enough - you are creating another human which is amazing! We all need a little help at times - my little one is half from a donor egg as I needed help with that and took me a while to not be annoyed at myself for the main ivf failures leading to this.

It's also natural to worry - your Mum instinct kicking in early! They are worse case though and hopefully notging you actually need to think about. Also think about all the steps you have already taken in IVF to get here - your pretty hardcore so can totally handle this too! I've got my Glucose Diabetes test on Weds and see the consultant after that so no doubt I'll need you to say the same back to me!

Hope you are feeling a bit better today. Xx

[Bean87]

Hi Purple,

Thank you, that is very kind. Been to a baby event in London today which has made me feel a bit better
Oooh let me know how that goes, I have the joys of that in April too as I am geriatric now at 35
Bean x

[amyprice88]

Hi Bean, I'm sorry to hear that the consultant appointment wasn't helpful. I agree with purple that I think consultants are more aimed towards the clinical side of things and providing facts. I had a similar appointment with my consultant yesterday where she outlined all the additional risks due to it being an ivf pregnancy. I hope you're feeling better now, I understand it can be difficult at times to trust your body especially after the trials of ivf but our bodies are amazing things! Have you tried contacting your midwife for reassurance? A baby event sounds fun, did you get some fab ideas?
I have also been told I will have growth scans every 4 weeks from 27 weeks due to it being ivf, this seems to be standard. Although I had covid at the start of February so I'm actually quite glad to have extra scans.
Welcome purple and congratulations, that's fantastic that you're now past 25 weeks. I hope your glucose test goes well. Are you finding out the gender? My scan pics sound similar, I'm convinced he looks like a monkey I hope you're feeling OK x

[Bean87]

I brought a Ewan the sheep and Misty the cloud. I have not brought much so far tbh. We got some free bottles, dummies, lots of Childs farm samples and Aveeno samples, so baby is set for washing
We have a session at John Lewis booked (free for 90mins) with a baby expert to go through buggies, car systems etc in April. Hopefully that will help us for the big items.
I am feeling better now, got my bloods booked for Monday to check B12 and Folate, so hopefully that comes back ok. In my head I thought (maybe naively) that once pregnant and past 12 weeks that IVF would not cause any more risks.
Have you all had 20 week scans? I think you are all ahead of me, not due till August 2nd x

[HannahSian]

Hi all, I’ve only just come across this thread so I’m a little behind!
We had our successful transfer back in November so I’m now 20 weeks with an EDD of 30/7/23.
All looking good so far, feeling little kicks, started leaking colostrum already which is interesting haha.
Just waiting for my 20 week scan on Thursday.

Hope you’re all doing well xx

[Purple286]

Hi all

Bean87 a baby event sounds like a great idea. I've not bought anything yet either and feel quite behind! John lewis is a good idea - think we might do the same. Hope your blood tests go well today. We're due 14th June so 26 weeks now All lovely summer babies and can't wait to not have to try and fit into my jumpers and layers

Amyprice that's reassuring to know you get extra scans. Our next scan is at 32 weeks so booked a private one for tomorrow! Feel like I need to see my lil baby again! We see the midwife every 3 weeks now but won't be measuring me until 32 week - apparently that's when we get to discuss the birth plans too. Everyone seems to have a different experience!

Congratulations Hannahsian! Whoop 20 weeks! Lovely to have got to your next scan and 12 to 20 feels like such a long time! How interesting you have started leaking already - but also quite annoying. Have you got some breast pads? My sis in law gave me a load but no need for them so far!

I'm starting to rethink when I should take my mat leave! Was hoping for more time after so was only planning to leave work 10 days before but already now feeling like I am going to struggle moving around and focusing in the last couple of months!

Have a good week all xx

[Bean87]

Welcome HannahSian,
You are literally a few days ahead of me. Due 2nd of August.
I had not even thought about colostrum till a friend mentioned that this week! Maybe I should get something to be prepared for that now.
When are you thinking of working till Purple?
I am really hoping I can get through this academic year, we break up July 21st, thats about 10 days before I am due! So we shall see when it gets nearer to the time how realistic that aim is