My Pregnancy Journey: From IVF Transfer to a 1% Chance of Success

Announcing Pregnancy and the IVF Journey

• 🤰 Pregnancy announcement after a two-month hiatus from social media and a period of intense privacy.
• 💡 The journey through infertility and IVF is highlighted as a deeply personal experience, often misunderstood by those who haven't gone through it.
• 🚀 The speaker shares her story to help others feel less alone during uncertain times and fertility struggles.

The IVF Process and Early Pregnancy

• 💖 The embryo transfer on March 20th was a magical day, involving specific protocols like acupuncture, warm foot baths, and dietary choices.
• 💧 A full bladder was required for the transfer, leading to a humorous situation where excess water had to be released.
• 🖼️ Seeing a photo of the hatching embryo was an emotional moment, bringing the reality of potential parenthood closer.
• 🍟 A post-transfer tradition of eating French fries was observed, opting for a healthier, tallow-fried option.

Navigating Uncertainty and Low hCG Levels

• ⏳ The two-week waiting period was described as the hardest, filled with anxiety due to a need for control and the fear of negative results.
• 🚫 At-home pregnancy tests were avoided due to the risk of false negatives and the emotional toll of previous negative results.
• 📈 Initial positive pregnancy test was followed by concerning news: low hCG levels that did not double as expected, indicating a potential issue.
• ⚠️ The doctor delivered the grim prognosis of a 1% chance of a viable pregnancy, leading to immense heartbreak and mental preparation for loss.

Hope and a Viable Pregnancy

• 📊 A subsequent hCG test showed a significant increase, more than doubling the previous number, offering a glimmer of hope.
• 😰 The weekend wait for further testing was agonizing, marked by a feeling of being a zombie and struggling to articulate the uncertain situation.
• 🩺 An ultrasound at 6-7 weeks revealed a speck with a strong heartbeat, confirming a viable pregnancy despite earlier concerns.
• 🥳 Graduating from the IVF clinic after weekly scans and consistent positive developments marked a significant milestone.

Pregnancy Symptoms and Lifestyle Adjustments

• 🍒 Pregnancy symptoms include growing and sore breasts, fatigue, and mild nausea, which have ramped up around 12 weeks.
• 🍎 Increased hunger necessitates frequent snacking, with cravings for lemonade and sandwiches.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Exercise recommendations shifted from clinic-advised rest to gradual reintroduction of weightlifting and walking, avoiding core-focused activities like Pilates.
• 🍳 Nutrition focuses on protein, but includes more carbs and indulgences like tacos and sandwiches when needed.
• 🐟 The speaker incorporates fish eggs for DHA to support baby's brain development, following advice from Dr. Rhonda Patrick.
• 📚 Decisions on food restrictions (e.g., deli meat, tuna) are based on research from the book "Expecting Better" by Emily Oster.
• 🍵 Daily intake includes one to two matchas and plenty of water.