Looking for 1st trimester buddies

Announcement of pregnancy and birth following assisted reproductive treatment.
Locked
kappy
Regular
Posts: 154
Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2004 11:40 pm
Location: Golden, Colorado

Post by kappy »

Hi All!
Welcome Anne! Congratulations on your BFP!!! It takes a little while for the reality of being pregnant to sink in. I still have days when I have to stop and think "wow ... I really am pregnant". As for the bloated feeling, I felt like that for the first month and very exhausted. I'm not sure if the bloated feeling is from the treatment or pregnancy though. For me my ovaries still had a couple follicles going, but nothing dangerous. They eventually subsided. The exhausted feeling is normal for a lot of women during the first trimester. They say it subsides as you reach the 11-12 week. That seems true since I feel like I have more energy these days. Relax and enjoy! Let us know when your first scan is scheduled!

Hey Edi! Glad to hear your meeting with your midwife went well. It's fun hearing the baby's heartbeat. I know what you mean about insomnia! I usually fall asleep around 11-11:30 and I'm wide awake around 3:30-4am. It's strange. I also used to have no problem sleeping, so I've just assumed it's the pregnancy. The weird thing is that I'm not feeling like I didn't get enough rest throughout the day. It's as if I did get 8 hours sleep. How about you? Are you dragging from it? As Toni suggested ... warm milk is great around bedtime. But if you're like me, getting to sleep isn't a problem, it's staying asleep =)

Oops Wendy ... I thought it was the nuchal screen you had the poor results on. The doctor I'm going to this morning told me that the 1st trimester nuchal is more sensitive then the 2nd trimester triple screen. Less false positives, and more accurate results. We'll see. I'm not too worried. DH is a nervous wreck though. I feel bad for him. I'm not sure why we're doing this test. I guess I really don't want to do an amnio, so this way maybe our results will come back good and we won't have to.

Hi Toni! Hope you're all doing well over there on the 2nd trimester thread!

Love you all,
Kelly
Sponsor
 
Wendy
Regular
Posts: 119
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2002 5:04 pm
Location: Charente Maritime, France

nuchal

Post by Wendy »

Thats interesting about the nuchal being more sensitive than the blood test - that'll make me feel, he'll be doing the nuchal at my scan next week, so if its fine like with Benjamin i'll feel much better.
ttfn love wendy xxx
2nd icsi, Benjamin born March '03, 5th icsi, Thomas born Aug '05
alicia
Regular
Posts: 488
Joined: Sat Jul 03, 2004 6:20 am
Location: Somewhere in CA

Post by alicia »

Hi everyone and congratulations! Just thought I'd give my experience with the nuchal translucency vs. triple screen blood test. We had great results for our twin boys on the nuchal test - 1 in 1,024 for Downs Syndrome. That was a relief, as I am 38 years old. Then I foolishly had the triple screen test done in addition - it is not quite required in the US, but they really push it.

The triple screen came back positive for Downs Syndrome - 1 in 60. We scheduled the amnio, but I was really afraid of it. We went in and there wasn't enough fluid around the babies, so they rescheduled it for two weeks. We did a lot of our own reasearch and soul searching during that time. It turns out that amnio is much more risky for twins. When we went in the second time, we declined it.

So we don't really know for sure, but every scan since then has looked very good and the boys are growing well. I think being 38 and knowing this is likely our last chance to have children really influenced our decision to decline the amnio. I felt that even having a DS child would be better than the very remote possibliity of losing one or both after an amnio. And a "selective reduction" in twins is very risky - something like 10-15% chance of losing both babies when trying to remove one. So that wasn't really a choice we wanted to have to make.

Hope this helps someone. Good luck to you all!

Alicia
TTC 2.5 years - Me 38 no tubes; DH 32
1st- IVF June 2004 - early MC
2nd - FET Aug 2004 - Twin boys born April 25, 2005!!!
kappy
Regular
Posts: 154
Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2004 11:40 pm
Location: Golden, Colorado

Post by kappy »

Wow ... thanks Alicia!
These tests are so nerve-wracking! Glad to hear that your boys are growing well! How exciting to be expecting two little boys. Congratulations to you and DH!

I was told by the perinatologist I went to for my nuchal that the 2nd trimester tests (not including the amnio obviously) are not as sensitive and have more false positives than the 1st trimester nuchal. Doesn't make sense to me as to why that would be the case, but that's what they said. And they perform these tests, so by telling me he's in a sense losing some extra business.

I have a good feeling about our test the other day. Can't explain it, just a gut feeling that it's going to be okay. I just can't imagine going onto an amnio at this point. The thought of even a slight chance of harm to the baby is just too scary to think about right now.

Alicia, hope you're feeling well these days. It must be a lot of work carrying around two! Wishing you the best for the remainder of your pregnancy!

Wendy, loads of luck next week for your test. The only good thing about going in is getting to see your baby again =) I assume you will also have a wait of a week or so for your results?

Hugs,
Kelly
Wendy
Regular
Posts: 119
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2002 5:04 pm
Location: Charente Maritime, France

nuchal etc

Post by Wendy »

Hiya, thanks for that Alicia. I know exactly what you have been going through as we ended up with 1 in 30 after the triple test. (Our baby boy was perfect) but the worry over it all was horrendous. The thing is I had no idea really what any of the tests were about - we didn't have a choice or have to go anywhere special, its just that the dr gave me a prescription and told me to go and get a blood test, said I had to have it - whether thats actually true i'm not sure (but wouldn't be surprised - they're a bit like that here in france !)
I think i'm a lot wiser now and understand everything a bit more, so unless the nuchal is bad and other scans show up there is a problem - i'm not going to stress myself so much.
You just have to remember that all the factors such as age and twins and ivf, all increase the chance of a false positive and even 1 in 60 means that its a 98.34 % certainty that you are having two completely normal boys. (more statistics !)
I don't have to wait for any results with the nuchal - the dr tells me there and then if its ok ie within the norms. I also read a story about a couple who had a really bad nuchal, a really bad triple test and some bad scans and they had a completely normal baby girl !
I think we should change the subject onto more cheery things like shopping and bump sizes !!
loads of love wendy xxx
2nd icsi, Benjamin born March '03, 5th icsi, Thomas born Aug '05
Edi
Member
Posts: 66
Joined: Wed Nov 24, 2004 1:40 pm
Location: England

Post by Edi »

Good thinking Wendy, and on the very subject of shopping I had my first scout around the shops for clothes. I need smart clothes for work and all of my suits are getting really tight now. Also I don't want to tell work just yet so I'm in desperate need of finding some nice simple stuff to carry me through the next few months. No such luck - everything was huge on me whatever size I chose. So I resorted to the internet.
Found a brilliant site - isabellaoliver.com
Really simple designs, mainly black and very flexible. I bought a pair their hipsters and a couple of tops which arrived yesterday and I'm thrilled to say that I can easily wear them now and they are flexible and comfortable enough to be worn right through. Even dh said that as maternity clothes go, these were very sexy - :shock: Very important when currently I just feel FAT.
I know I sound like an ad but I was thinking yesterday that I have to tell my board buddies about this site. One caveat though if you haven't yet told work about being pg, then you might want to choose a different postal address. I was hoping our postie didn't notice that the glamorous ladies on the box were all sporting attractive bumps :? :roll:
It's nearly Friday,

Hugs,

Edi
14 weeks on Sunday
kappy
Regular
Posts: 154
Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2004 11:40 pm
Location: Golden, Colorado

Post by kappy »

Hi Girls!
Good call on switching topics Wendy. I feel like my belly popped out a couple weeks ago, but hasn't really changed much since. I guess that's good. I can still get into my regular clothes, but they are definitely not very comfortable. I went to Old Navy last weekend to see if I could find some pants a size larger that would work for a while. Most looked ridiculous, but I was able to pick up a pair of capri pants that worked. Problem is that they won't work for long, and it's still a little cold here for capri's. They will be perfect for our trip though. DH and I are headed to Lanai (one of the Hawaiian Islands) March 4th thru the 12 for his parents 40th anniversary bash. They have been planning it for months and are so excited. We are looking forward to getting back there (we lived in Maui for a year or so, and DH grew up on the Big Island - his parents still live there). Problem is I have NO clue what I'm going to wear, so I guess I'll end up back at the mall again. I'll also check out the website you mentioned Edi. Sounds like a good one. Finding sexier maternity clothes is a must. I'm stumped as to what to do regarding a bathing suit. If I looked pregnant it wouldn't be such a problem, but I feel like I just look fat around the middle. I'm sure you all know what I mean.
Lots of love,
Kelly
anne
Newbie
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:14 pm
Location: BARNSLEY

Post by anne »

Hi everyone

Hope your all feeling well, love reading all your messages, i just seem so much further behind you all and i still dont feel like its really happening.Ive had another blood test after my positive last thursday my levels were 116 then and today they were over 2000. My dh seems to think the nurse was hinting towards twins as the levels are high, but im not so sure i think its his wishful thinking. We go for our first scan on friday 4th march, i cant wait it will make it seem more reel.

love
Anne
Wendy
Regular
Posts: 119
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2002 5:04 pm
Location: Charente Maritime, France

levels and fat !!

Post by Wendy »

Hiya eneryone.
wrt Hcg levels, I've discovered I shouldn't think about them - although its impossible !! I was 110 on day 12 and 1759 on day 16 - we were fairly convinced it was twins as even the lab man said they were high and they were high on the tables I'd found on the net - but as it turned out its just the one. The Dr said the levels were very wide ranging and its only the scan that will tell. We were quite surprised and in a way a little disappointed - we've always wanted a big family and really this is my last time as when this one is 2 and Benjamin is 4, I'll be over 40, so probably not an option to go again. But that didn't last long, we were overjoyed to be pregnant again and all we want is a healthy baby. Everyone keeps saying - you must want a girl, but we don't - we just want a sibling for Benjamin.
How exciting - your first scan - make sure DH is there too - Chris missed out on our first 6/8wk scan with Ben as it hadn't even crossed my mind i'd have one - I couldn't believe my eyes or ears when the 'blob' came up on the screen with a beating heart - its a wonderful moment . Don't worry - you arn't that far behind - you won't have to worry about a thing as all us 'old hands' will be giving you advice. Get a book with a week to week description of what is happening and go to www.visembryo.com for a photo day by day - its wonderful reading and seeing how your tiny 'peanut' is developing.

Yes I'm feeling fat and loving it - when we go swimming, I just relax all my stomach muscles and let it all hang out and I look about 5 mths pregnant !! I've given up on my jeans and am now in my elasticated leggings - far comfier !! I think most of it is all the biscuits i've been munching on to keep the sickness away - problem is I'm passed the worst and have felt fine for the last week but I still want to eat biscuits !!

Its Benjamins 2nd birthday next sunday and I'm organising a little party with jelly, ice cream and pass the parcel etc - I think its more for us than him - he just wants to play and certainly doesn't want to be organised !! But I can't wait - you've got all these wonderful things to come. I know you all already know how wonderful it will be to be a mummy after such a long time and so much hard work - but I can tell you its Everything you think and more - its unbelievable how much love you have. I'll post some photos on the web.
love to all wendy xxxxxx
ps my 12wk scans on friday too - make sure we post on friday night, I want to know if you do have twins (fantastic) !!!!
2nd icsi, Benjamin born March '03, 5th icsi, Thomas born Aug '05
kappy
Regular
Posts: 154
Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2004 11:40 pm
Location: Golden, Colorado

Post by kappy »

Hi Girls,
Anne ... how exciting! Your first scan is the best, so as Wendy said, try to make sure DH is there with you. You're right, that first scan really does make it seem more real. If there are twins, that's when you will find out =) Very excited for you! Don't worry, you're not that far behind. We're all still in the first trimester!

You guys will definitely have to post that Friday after your scans. I go in on Thursday, but no scan this time (I've had so many anyhow) ... just listening for a heartbeat and monthly check. It's timed perfectly since I'm leaving for Hawaii the next day.

Hope you all have a great weekend. I'm going to be digging out my summer clothes to see what/and if anything still fits for my trip. Then I'm off to the stores!

Loads of love,
Kelly
kappy
Regular
Posts: 154
Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2004 11:40 pm
Location: Golden, Colorado

Post by kappy »

Wendy,
Forgot to add ... it would be great to see some photos! Can't wait to see! Birthday parties for toddlers are SO much fun. You're right though, much more fun for the parents =) I can't wait to do that some day!

I'm going to try and get a website of sorts going here. Not sure how successful I'll be at it, but I'm going to try. We have family scattered near and far, so it will be nice for them to see the progress besides hearing about it. I've been relatively thin my whole life, so my brother and friends are in disbelief that I'm actually growing a belly.

Well ... off again!
Kelly
caroline m
Newbie
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:14 am
Location: London

Post by caroline m »

Hlello girls, I would like to join this thread after my BFP last Saturday. Still can't believe it.

Anne - I must be due very close to you - seems such a long way off - but not sure as I don't know what date to count from!
Does anyone know - do you count the day of egg collection as conception or the day after?

My scan is 8 March!

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Caroline
Me - 36
DH - 36
TTC - 3 years
1st ISCI - Jan/Feb 2005 - BFP 19Feb, can't believe it!!
It is twins - amazing!!!! Due on my birthday- 28 October! No, unbelievably discovered at 12 weeks Nuchal Scan that it is actually Triplets!!
anne
Newbie
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:14 pm
Location: BARNSLEY

Post by anne »

Hi everyone

Caroline I used the pregnancy calculator in the resource section on this site to get my date and i used my egg collection instead of last period date. I bet you and dh are so happy, congratulations on your bfp.

Thanks Wendy on info on hcg levels everything is so confusing. your scan on friday will be really exciting youll beable to see so much more, i bet your even more excited than me. Hopefully Benjamins party plans will keep you busy this week and it will go by quickly.

Love
Anne
caroline m
Newbie
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:14 am
Location: London

Post by caroline m »

Anne - thanks for the message - I used the calculator as you suggested which was excellent & found that the baby is due on my birthday - 28 October!! I know first babies never come on time but I still think that is an amazing coincidence!

As we are so close in dates it would be great to "share" symptoms. Have you any sickness yet? I haven't although have slight a little queasy & tired in the afternoons at work & have to go to bed early as I just can't keep awake!

Caroline x
Me - 36
DH - 36
TTC - 3 years
1st ISCI - Jan/Feb 2005 - BFP 19Feb, can't believe it!!
It is twins - amazing!!!! Due on my birthday- 28 October! No, unbelievably discovered at 12 weeks Nuchal Scan that it is actually Triplets!!
anne
Newbie
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:14 pm
Location: BARNSLEY

Post by anne »

Hi Caroline

What a wonderful, wonderful birthday present. I have been feeling extremely tired and sleeping alot more than usual but this weekend i must be feeling alot more refreshed as ive been cleaning,ironing and even baking out of choice which isnt like me hopefully dh wont get used to it.

Im looking forward to telling all our family and friends as we have decided not to tell anyone apart from our mums until we get to 12wks were not very good at keeping secrets though have you told anyone yet? Looking forward to spending the next 9mths comparing notes.

Love
Anne
--------------------------------
me 30 dh 33
ttc 4yrs
tubal surgery jan 04
ttc 1yr
1st ivf jan 05 +bfp
Locked