Beta Progression

Thank you all for the continued prayers for this pregnancy. It means so much to have the absolute best support from all of our family, friends, and followers.

As you can see by the tests below, everything is moving along very nicely so far.

Normal hcg level doubling times are 48-72 hours and I am very happy to say that mine is averaging around 42 hours! Since the hcg levels are going up at a good rate we now have yet another "2 week wait"....the wait until ultrasound.

The first ultrasound scheduled for November 9th will be checking for a gestational sac, yolk sac, and hopefully since I'll be 7 weeks 1 day we'll be able to see a fluttering little heartbeat in the tiny little baby. They'll also be confirming if one or both embryos implanted.

You may be asking what all of that means on my photo below. In the surrogacy world we use this to show # days past 5 day transfer where 5 is the age of the embryo transferred. You can also translate this to 10+5=15 days past ovulation, 13+5=18 days past ovulation, etc.

We are very anxious for ultrasound and so very happy with how this transfer is going so far.

Let me also just say that I am so very thankful that D & I decided to move forward with me for a 4th transfer. It's rough from all aspects after multiple failed transfers, but with a little prayer, hope, and trust we are finally where we're meant to be.

Beta Results

Blood was drawn yesterday morning for our first official Beta which tests the quantitative level of Hcg present in the body.

This is my test 10 days after transfer

The number is..............109!!!!!

We're PREGNANT!!!

Officially 4 weeks 2 days today

The clinic is having me repeat the bloodwork on Thursday (with results Friday) and again on Monday (with results Tuesday) to make sure the level is rising appropriately indicating a healthy pregnancy. We're feeling great about this result and can't wait to hear next week's results! :-)

Of course I will still be occasionally taking home tests to see that line get darker over the next week.

Please continue to pray for this pregnancy's viability and God-willing we'll see a fluttery little heartbeat in 2-3 weeks and deliver D&I's healthy little baby in about 36 weeks!

Transfer

Ah, finally a transfer update.

First, do not, I repeat DO NOT wear anything sparkly or metallic through airport security. LOL

You will be felt up and down in public in places no stranger should touch.

I especially love traveling Northeast during the fall season. Such beautiful colors! Fall is my favorite! I wish I could have gotten better photos of it all.

 

I arrived at the clinic shortly before 10am. The clinic does this very wonderful thing of having each person wait in a different area so as to not impose on people's privacy. I didn't wait long in the initial area before being taken back to the "transfer area".

The doctor came in and explained the embryo quality of the 2 embryos we were transferring.

This embryo is 5 days old. A (great) quality, 120+ cells.

This embryo is 6 days old. A/B (good) quality, 120+ cells.

And here they are in my uterus after embryo transfer. See the white specs in the middle?

There is a theory that eating fresh pineapple with core will increase the chances of implantation. The enzyme bromelain that is in the core supposedly helps the embryos stick. So starting day of transfer and for the following 4 days I've been eating pineapple and will continue to do so. :)
It couldn't hurt and it's delicious!

This is a picture of the sunset over St. Louis as I was on my way home. 

So, our fingers are crossed and prayers going up that this transfer is successful! We appreciate all the amazing support. I was elated to tears morning of transfer with so many people reaching out in support, wishing us good luck, and praying for us. It is truly amazing the positive support that we've received and continue to receive. I know many people are following for home pregnancy test results but D & I will obviously get the first call :)  The official blood test is Monday, October 19th and I'll receive the results on Tuesday, October 20th. Thanks for continuing to follow our journey!