I went back for my baby's 2d echo part 2 on September 24th and he was more behaved during the scan. I told the doctor it's because my hubby was with me and that our baby is scared of his daddy. :) The doctor was able to check everything else which turned out normal however, she wasn't able to view the pulmonary artery due to the unfavorable position of the baby and his age.
The fetal 2d echo is supposed to be done at 27-29 weeks and I was already 30 weeks and 6 days on Part 1 and 31 weeks and 2 days on Part 2. I just hope and pray that everything is fine with my baby's pulmonary artery.
During my last check-up at 32 weeks, he was already weighing about 4 lbs or 1,793 grams. :) He also had a perfect score on his BPS/BPP.
Due to my pre-term labor scare at 28 weeks and 6 days, my new ob advised me to inject steroids (betamethasone) for my baby's lung maturity. In effect, my blood sugar levels were elevated for a week. I'm so glad it's back to normal levels now.
My next check-up will be this coming Thursday at exactly 33 weeks. My doctor will be injecting tetanus toxoid in preparation for my delivery. Another big needle encounter!!! I'm not afraid of small needles though.
I can't believe how fast time flew by. It's October now so I can finally say, I'm giving birth next month!!! :)
Monday, October 3, 2016
Friday, September 23, 2016
Fetal 2d Echo at 30 weeks and 6 days
I transferred to a different doctor last September 13th, who specializes in Perinatology. She asked me if I've already done a Fetal 2d Echo. I told her I haven't and that I've done the Congenital Anomaly Scan (CAS) which turned out perfectly. She told me that she requires all her diabetic pregnant patients to do this test at 27-29 weeks because poorly controlled diabetes can damage the baby's heart vessels but she also explained that it's only for good measure, not that she saw anything wrong with my baby's heart in the regular ultrasound.
When I finished the CAS in July, I felt so relieved but being asked to do the Fetal 2d Echo made me frightened for my baby once again. My doctor told me that the Fetal 2d Echo is more detailed and precise at gauging the health of my baby's heart and so I had to do it. I was scheduled on September 21st at 30 weeks and 6 days since that's the clinic's earliest and only available slot.
We started at 2:15 pm and was asked to take a break at 2:45 pm because my baby was moving a lot, making it hard for the doctor to get a clear view of his heart.
At around 4:05 pm, we resumed and got a few good shots but was asked to take a break once more. My baby is acting up real bad, taking all sorts of somersaults in there. At past 4:30 pm, my doctor came back and I told her that the baby is still moving a lot. So she just asked me to come back on Saturday, September 24th at 3:30 pm.
The doctor told me that we're done with about 70% of the test and so far, everything looks normal. But she has to finish the remaining 30% because it's a vital part of the test and she needs to see it.
I'm scheduled to come back tomorrow. I hope and pray that my baby cooperates this time and that his heart is perfectly fine.
Although not included in the fee, she threw in a 3d ultrasound of my baby's face and printed one photo for me. I've already done the 3d scan last September 4th at a different clinic. Had I know that I'd be given a free photo, I wouldn't have gone ahead and paid for a separate 3d scan earlier. But how was I to know, right?
My baby looks chubbier now than how he looked at 28 weeks and 3 days. Here's the comparison of the two scans:
When I finished the CAS in July, I felt so relieved but being asked to do the Fetal 2d Echo made me frightened for my baby once again. My doctor told me that the Fetal 2d Echo is more detailed and precise at gauging the health of my baby's heart and so I had to do it. I was scheduled on September 21st at 30 weeks and 6 days since that's the clinic's earliest and only available slot.
We started at 2:15 pm and was asked to take a break at 2:45 pm because my baby was moving a lot, making it hard for the doctor to get a clear view of his heart.
At around 4:05 pm, we resumed and got a few good shots but was asked to take a break once more. My baby is acting up real bad, taking all sorts of somersaults in there. At past 4:30 pm, my doctor came back and I told her that the baby is still moving a lot. So she just asked me to come back on Saturday, September 24th at 3:30 pm.
The doctor told me that we're done with about 70% of the test and so far, everything looks normal. But she has to finish the remaining 30% because it's a vital part of the test and she needs to see it.
I'm scheduled to come back tomorrow. I hope and pray that my baby cooperates this time and that his heart is perfectly fine.
Although not included in the fee, she threw in a 3d ultrasound of my baby's face and printed one photo for me. I've already done the 3d scan last September 4th at a different clinic. Had I know that I'd be given a free photo, I wouldn't have gone ahead and paid for a separate 3d scan earlier. But how was I to know, right?
My baby looks chubbier now than how he looked at 28 weeks and 3 days. Here's the comparison of the two scans:
Baby at 28 weeks and 3 days
Baby at 30 weeks and 6 days
I'm just so eager to hold my baby in my arms. November, please come sooner!!! :)
Thursday, September 8, 2016
29th week checkup
On September 7th, my brother took me to the hospital for my regular weekly checkup. This was me, all smiles, eager to get an update on how my baby is doing.
I was second in line at my doctor's clinic. She didn't want to me get tired and hungry while waiting so she put me on priority for all of my remaining check ups. Here's her findings on baby and me: Everything is okay with my cervix, my amniotic fluid is adequate, biophysical scoring is perfect. Downside is, I still have placenta previa partialis and now my baby has cord coil which prompted my doctor to endorse me for NST (Non stress test) which is supposed to be scheduled next week.
I told my doctor that I had a 3D ultrasound last Sunday and that our baby looked like my husband so she took a picture of my baby's face too. :) Here's my hubby and baby's face side by side. They really do look alike, especially their lips. :)
Here I was, undergoing my first-ever NST which I thought would last for only a maximum of 40 mins but was prolonged because I had mild contractions every 7-8 mins.
My doctor held me there for almost 6 hours. They had to inject Terbutaline to stop my contractions. I was told that I could be confined if my contractions didn't stop within 30 mins from the injection. My hubby went straight to the hospital from work. This is him, taking a quick rest.
He borrowed my other blanket because our room was so cold. I was given a thicker one.
Since we had to stay longer, they asked us to have our dinner. So my hubby went ahead and bought some food.
My supposedly ordinary day turned out to be extraordinary and something I will never forget. I didn't feel any pain at all and they said it's normal because my contractions were only mild but is detected by their monitor. I got discharged past midnight and asked to come back on Saturday for my follow-up check up. Hope everything turns out well. I don't want to experience this again. Hope my baby stays in my belly until the second week of November.
Monday, September 5, 2016
3D Ultrasound at 28 weeks
I belong to this online forum and several moms there recommended having a 3D/4D ultrasound at Baby Ultrasound - Robinsons Place Manila branch.
I scheduled it at 28 weeks and 3 days and specifically travelled there on a Sunday to avoid heavy traffic.
My brother drove for hubby and I and my mom also tagged along, eager to see her very first apo (grandchild in Filipino).
I was #18 on their list for that day since I came in past 4pm and had to wait about 1.5 hours for my turn. Their cut-off is at 6pm. I chose the basic package with (4) 4R printouts worth P1,500 and P50 for each additional printout. I added just one so I got 5 prints in total. Overall, I'm super satisfied with their service and the staff are nice too. :)
Here's my baby's best pic and the proof of his manhood! Hahahaha :)
I scheduled it at 28 weeks and 3 days and specifically travelled there on a Sunday to avoid heavy traffic.
My brother drove for hubby and I and my mom also tagged along, eager to see her very first apo (grandchild in Filipino).
I was #18 on their list for that day since I came in past 4pm and had to wait about 1.5 hours for my turn. Their cut-off is at 6pm. I chose the basic package with (4) 4R printouts worth P1,500 and P50 for each additional printout. I added just one so I got 5 prints in total. Overall, I'm super satisfied with their service and the staff are nice too. :)
Here's my baby's best pic and the proof of his manhood! Hahahaha :)
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Mommy Hair
When I was younger, I used to have really long hair. When I started working, I kept my hair on shoulder length. With my hair's texture, I had to regularly have it rebonded and adding color damaged my hair. I have also permed it once which I totally regretted big time.
I had below shoulder length hair before I got pregnant. I had it colored last December. I always wondered why my new mom friends on Facebook suddenly cut their hair really short as soon as they became a mom.
I didn't even plan on it but I suddenly had the urge to cut my hair as soon as I found out I was pregnant. As the weeks went by, it grew longer and so I had to trim it again.
I joined this forum on Facebook and new moms were talking about hairstyles when one member shared her picture with a pixie cut. I suddenly felt intrigued as to how I'd look with a similar cut since I've never cut my hair that short. Ever. Well maybe when I was in 6th grade and I was on our school's soccer varsity team.
So last Thursday, August 26th, I went into the salon and got a pixie cut. It felt so liberating. I posted it on my Facebook page and Instagram and surprisingly, a lot of people liked it and told me it's really a practical hairstyle for new moms who just no longer have the luxury of time to fix their hair because of the demands of the baby.
My hair is naturally wavy so I have to iron it out if I want it to look perfect but it is typically wash and wear if I can handle having to carry on with a wavy pixie cut. Here's how it looked when blow dried by the salon expert. :)
I had below shoulder length hair before I got pregnant. I had it colored last December. I always wondered why my new mom friends on Facebook suddenly cut their hair really short as soon as they became a mom.
I didn't even plan on it but I suddenly had the urge to cut my hair as soon as I found out I was pregnant. As the weeks went by, it grew longer and so I had to trim it again.
I joined this forum on Facebook and new moms were talking about hairstyles when one member shared her picture with a pixie cut. I suddenly felt intrigued as to how I'd look with a similar cut since I've never cut my hair that short. Ever. Well maybe when I was in 6th grade and I was on our school's soccer varsity team.
So last Thursday, August 26th, I went into the salon and got a pixie cut. It felt so liberating. I posted it on my Facebook page and Instagram and surprisingly, a lot of people liked it and told me it's really a practical hairstyle for new moms who just no longer have the luxury of time to fix their hair because of the demands of the baby.
My hair is naturally wavy so I have to iron it out if I want it to look perfect but it is typically wash and wear if I can handle having to carry on with a wavy pixie cut. Here's how it looked when blow dried by the salon expert. :)
Monday, August 15, 2016
Cauli's Things
In my earlier weeks of pregnancy, I was dying to find out the gender. I was even on the verge of going through the Panorama Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening at Hi Precision to find out the gender as early as 9 weeks but it was so expensive.
Surprisingly, we found out the gender on my 14 week checkup. My doctor just blurted it out.
It's a boy.
It was too early on for me to start buying stuff at 14 weeks so I waited a little longer. I looked for stuff mostly online since I'm on bed rest. I was determined to get a second hand wooden crib because brand new ones are so expensive in malls. At 18 weeks, I found the perfect one and immediately bought it. The following week, I was also able to purchase a second hand branded stroller.
(Pictures of the crib and stroller are posted on my previous post on my pregnancy update at 24 weeks.)
So that's the first two items I bought for Cauli. And the list went on and on as you can see below with their respective prices.
Most of the items were purchased from SM's Baby Company while his plain white tiesides, pjs, shorts, bonnets, mittens & booties, lampin and receiving blankets were bought by Ai from Divisoria. :)
There will be another 3 day sale at SM BF on August 19-21 and I'm surely gonna be there to purchase the other items that I still lack. :)
I never thought shopping for baby items was so much fun. I don't really feel like spending on any item for myself. It's all for my baby now. :)
Surprisingly, we found out the gender on my 14 week checkup. My doctor just blurted it out.
It's a boy.
It was too early on for me to start buying stuff at 14 weeks so I waited a little longer. I looked for stuff mostly online since I'm on bed rest. I was determined to get a second hand wooden crib because brand new ones are so expensive in malls. At 18 weeks, I found the perfect one and immediately bought it. The following week, I was also able to purchase a second hand branded stroller.
(Pictures of the crib and stroller are posted on my previous post on my pregnancy update at 24 weeks.)
So that's the first two items I bought for Cauli. And the list went on and on as you can see below with their respective prices.
These are the items I still need to buy.
Summer Health & Grooming Kit at P1,399.75 less 10%.
Dr. Brown's Nipple Shields at P679.75 less 20%.
Breastflow feeding bottle set at P1,099.75 less 10%.
Breastflow feeding bottle set (unboxed)
Bottle holder at P299.75
Free storage boxes (on the left) at SM's Baby Company
when accumulating P3,500 worth of baby items.
Gifts from my maid of honor, Ai. :)
Receiving blanket and Bath towel.
Pj's and shorts.
Socks, bibs, fitted sheet for his crib mattress and a hooded frogsuit.
Hooded frogsuit (unwrapped)
Stroller pads for only P300 at the HSBC sale bought for me by Junie.
Crib bumper for only P650 at the HSBC sale bought for me by Junie.
Carrier given by Junie and Oan during my baby shower.
Toiletries and baby's essentials given by Junie and Oan during my baby shower.
Chicco Infrared Ear Thermometer given by my pretty Korean friend, Myung Sun Kim
(aka Heather Kim).
Onesies from the HSBC sale.
Wearable blanket for only P300 purchased by Ai from Divisoria and his hooded frogsuit.
Spectra 9+ breast pump purchased from Babymama
during their sale last Aug12-15 for P9,000 less 10%.
Diaper bag bought at the Ultimate Mommy Clearance Clearout sale at Fun Ranch last August 14 for only P350.
Award winning Boba 4g Carrier bought at the Ultimate Mommy Clearance Clearout sale at Fun Ranch last August 14 for P5,950 less P2,000. :)
There will be another 3 day sale at SM BF on August 19-21 and I'm surely gonna be there to purchase the other items that I still lack. :)
I never thought shopping for baby items was so much fun. I don't really feel like spending on any item for myself. It's all for my baby now. :)
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Pregnancy update: 25 weeks
I went in for my follow up check up at 24 weeks and 4 days and my baby measured at 26 weeks weighing 853 grams. The amino acid vitamins are doing well in making him grow. My doctor asked me to continue taking these vitamins until August 25th. She told me that Metformin can cause a baby to be smaller than it should so I should still take the amino acid vitamins.
She said everything looked fine with my baby except for my placenta previa which is back to being totalis again. My doctor is still hopeful that it will move up in the next few weeks.
My next check up will be on August 29th and it will be weekly check ups from then on together with the Biophysical scoring ultrasound.
If I remember correctly, I will also be going through the Non-stress Test starting 30 or 32 weeks. I just can't remember if that's also going to be a weekly thing. I really hope not.
I am so excited to hold my baby in my arms. I'm currently 25 weeks and 2 days and my original due date is on November 24 basing on my LMP. However, since I'm delivering most likely via C-section, I can probably give birth on November 3rd onwards. My hubby's birthday is on November 2nd hahahaha. I know he secretly wishes to have his son born on his birthday but I'm worried he'd be premature then.
I can feel my baby's movements more often now, especially in the morning. I always wake up to his movements and I am always happy each time I wake up knowing he's alive inside me and very active.
I love my baby so much and I just can't wait for November. :)
I promise to be the best mommy ever. :)
She said everything looked fine with my baby except for my placenta previa which is back to being totalis again. My doctor is still hopeful that it will move up in the next few weeks.
My next check up will be on August 29th and it will be weekly check ups from then on together with the Biophysical scoring ultrasound.
If I remember correctly, I will also be going through the Non-stress Test starting 30 or 32 weeks. I just can't remember if that's also going to be a weekly thing. I really hope not.
I am so excited to hold my baby in my arms. I'm currently 25 weeks and 2 days and my original due date is on November 24 basing on my LMP. However, since I'm delivering most likely via C-section, I can probably give birth on November 3rd onwards. My hubby's birthday is on November 2nd hahahaha. I know he secretly wishes to have his son born on his birthday but I'm worried he'd be premature then.
I can feel my baby's movements more often now, especially in the morning. I always wake up to his movements and I am always happy each time I wake up knowing he's alive inside me and very active.
I love my baby so much and I just can't wait for November. :)
I promise to be the best mommy ever. :)
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Pregnancy update: 24 weeks
Hi. It's been awhile since I last wrote something here. I am now 24 weeks pregnant and a lot has happened. In my pregnancy journey, I got to talk to a lot of women online about their TTC and pregnancy journey. It feels so much better having other women to talk to that are going through the same things.
I joined lots of forums so I get educated about pregnancy and motherhood.
Anyway, here are the things that have taken place in my pregnancy:
1. My blood sugar is now under control. I have been taking insulin since April and have been on a diet for the most part. However, I have occasional cheat days. Hehehe.
2. At 14 weeks, we found out we're having a baby boy.
3. At 16 weeks, I was diagnosed with placenta previa totalis. I had to take meds to calm my uterus and remain on bed rest.
4. At 18 weeks, my baby measured 5 days behind so my doctor replaced my pre-natal vitamins with amino acid vitamins. I started drinking maternal milk.
I also started buying things for my baby and bought a crib and stroller online. :)
5. At 20 weeks, my baby's size has improved. I also did the congenital anomaly scan and thank God, everything is perfect with my baby boy. :)
6. At 22 weeks, my placenta has moved up a bit and is now classified as placenta previa partialis.
I will be going in for another check up on August 8. I hope my placenta is high-lying by then and that my baby is still looking perfect. :)
I will try to update this blog as often as possible to document the remaining 14-16 weeks of my pregnancy.
I joined lots of forums so I get educated about pregnancy and motherhood.
Anyway, here are the things that have taken place in my pregnancy:
1. My blood sugar is now under control. I have been taking insulin since April and have been on a diet for the most part. However, I have occasional cheat days. Hehehe.
2. At 14 weeks, we found out we're having a baby boy.
3. At 16 weeks, I was diagnosed with placenta previa totalis. I had to take meds to calm my uterus and remain on bed rest.
4. At 18 weeks, my baby measured 5 days behind so my doctor replaced my pre-natal vitamins with amino acid vitamins. I started drinking maternal milk.
I also started buying things for my baby and bought a crib and stroller online. :)
5. At 20 weeks, my baby's size has improved. I also did the congenital anomaly scan and thank God, everything is perfect with my baby boy. :)
6. At 22 weeks, my placenta has moved up a bit and is now classified as placenta previa partialis.
I will be going in for another check up on August 8. I hope my placenta is high-lying by then and that my baby is still looking perfect. :)
I will try to update this blog as often as possible to document the remaining 14-16 weeks of my pregnancy.
By the way, this is his gender scan.
And these are his things. :)
That's his awesome great grandfather so eager at assembling the crib!
This is gonna be his ride.
These are the things I bought for him as well as the things I asked my friends to buy for me
and some of their gifts,
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Beating the odds
My husband and I are overjoyed when we found out we were pregnant last March 21. I had another check up last April 2 and was told that my pregnancy may not continue due to slow growth of my baby. Although it wasn't certain, just the thought of my doctor bringing it up made our hearts sink. She asked to see me four days later to check the progress. We were devastated. We cried all day for the next two days. But I knew God will help us so we prayed and prayed for a miracle.
I have not filed my SSS maternity notification yet and there is already an impending miscarriage. I was on leave for a week and couldn't file it yet. Also, my doctor wasn't able to give me a formal report of my pregnancy because she does the ultrasound and interprets it herself so it is only a handwritten document that may not be acceptable to SSS.
I decided to get a formal ultrasound report from another clinic after two days from receiving the bad news. To my surprise, I saw my baby on the screen, and it was so much bigger than the scan two days ago. The sonologist also told me to hold my breath so she can catch my baby's heartbeat. I was like, really? My baby already has a heartbeat??? She told me that the heart rate was only 104.53 beats per minute. A viable pregnancy should have at least 120 bpm. Nevertheless, I was elated. My baby has a beating heart and no matter what the doctor said about the ideal range, I didn't mind it that much. My baby is alive!
As I was heading out, I remembered to ask for a photo so I can show my husband since the complete results will be released the next day. The doctor said, "Congratulations!" and took it back saying that I should come back next week to see if the heart rate has improved, only then can she congratulate me. I smiled and eagerly walked away and called my husband and my mom.
When I went in for my follow-up check up, my doctor was not concerned about the size of my baby. She is now concerned of my high blood sugar because if not controlled, it could lead to miscarriage so she put me on four weeks bed rest. My boss is very supportive of my pregnancy and I couldn't be more grateful.
I am now monitoring my blood glucose levels everyday and ensuring I eat right. I always knew in my heart that my baby is a fighter. We will keep beating the odds together until the day he/she is born.
I have not filed my SSS maternity notification yet and there is already an impending miscarriage. I was on leave for a week and couldn't file it yet. Also, my doctor wasn't able to give me a formal report of my pregnancy because she does the ultrasound and interprets it herself so it is only a handwritten document that may not be acceptable to SSS.
I decided to get a formal ultrasound report from another clinic after two days from receiving the bad news. To my surprise, I saw my baby on the screen, and it was so much bigger than the scan two days ago. The sonologist also told me to hold my breath so she can catch my baby's heartbeat. I was like, really? My baby already has a heartbeat??? She told me that the heart rate was only 104.53 beats per minute. A viable pregnancy should have at least 120 bpm. Nevertheless, I was elated. My baby has a beating heart and no matter what the doctor said about the ideal range, I didn't mind it that much. My baby is alive!
As I was heading out, I remembered to ask for a photo so I can show my husband since the complete results will be released the next day. The doctor said, "Congratulations!" and took it back saying that I should come back next week to see if the heart rate has improved, only then can she congratulate me. I smiled and eagerly walked away and called my husband and my mom.
When I went in for my follow-up check up, my doctor was not concerned about the size of my baby. She is now concerned of my high blood sugar because if not controlled, it could lead to miscarriage so she put me on four weeks bed rest. My boss is very supportive of my pregnancy and I couldn't be more grateful.
I am now monitoring my blood glucose levels everyday and ensuring I eat right. I always knew in my heart that my baby is a fighter. We will keep beating the odds together until the day he/she is born.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Pregnancy Symptoms
It has been 4 days since I found out I'm pregnant by using home pregnancy tests and confirmed it by a blood test. Here is a list of my symptoms or how I generally felt during my two week wait after the IUI until now:
1. Tingling sensation in my right nipple - It was barely a week after the IUI but I felt it while I was on my way home from work. I didn't think it was pregnancy-related and that maybe I'm just eagerly looking for symptoms.
2. White discharge - I usually have this before my period but not this much. I attributed it to Crinone, the vaginal gel that I have been prescribed to take for 15 days starting 2 dpiui.
3. Mild cramping - I was so sure my period was coming because of the mild/light cramps I started to feel towards the end of my two week wait. I still feel it occasionally even after confirming the pregnancy.
4. Sore/tender boobs/nipples - Similar to how it feels before/during my period but a bit heightened this time. The other day, my right nipple hurt a ton, like it was being mildly electrocuted.
5. Sleeping a lot - I am a late sleeper and can live with only 4-5 hours of sleep. But since my IUI, I have been wanting to sleep early. I also sleep in the afternoon when I'm not at work for 2-3 hours so I can't really call it a nap.
6. Peeing a lot - I pee around 6-7 times even before lunch time.
7. Cheery/generally happy - I guess it's all because of being able to finally get pregnant. My husband and I waited for this and I would like to be positive about everything.
I will add to this list as I go along, but I guess this is all for now at 5 weeks 1 day. :)
1. Tingling sensation in my right nipple - It was barely a week after the IUI but I felt it while I was on my way home from work. I didn't think it was pregnancy-related and that maybe I'm just eagerly looking for symptoms.
2. White discharge - I usually have this before my period but not this much. I attributed it to Crinone, the vaginal gel that I have been prescribed to take for 15 days starting 2 dpiui.
3. Mild cramping - I was so sure my period was coming because of the mild/light cramps I started to feel towards the end of my two week wait. I still feel it occasionally even after confirming the pregnancy.
4. Sore/tender boobs/nipples - Similar to how it feels before/during my period but a bit heightened this time. The other day, my right nipple hurt a ton, like it was being mildly electrocuted.
5. Sleeping a lot - I am a late sleeper and can live with only 4-5 hours of sleep. But since my IUI, I have been wanting to sleep early. I also sleep in the afternoon when I'm not at work for 2-3 hours so I can't really call it a nap.
6. Peeing a lot - I pee around 6-7 times even before lunch time.
7. Cheery/generally happy - I guess it's all because of being able to finally get pregnant. My husband and I waited for this and I would like to be positive about everything.
I will add to this list as I go along, but I guess this is all for now at 5 weeks 1 day. :)
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
I am finally pregnant!!!
I never thought this day would come, me writing this blog, telling the whole world that my husband and I have successfully created a human being: our most awaited bundle of joy. Let me run through the whole shebang so I don't forget a thing.
Remember I did the IUI in March 4. I started peeing on sticks since day 7-12 and got negatives. I stopped myself from buying pregnancy tests for days 13 and 14. On day 15, which is day one of my missed period, I decided to test again and got the lightest second line ever to the point that you really have to squint to see something. I thought to myself that maybe it's just my eyes playing tricks on me or maybe I am just going crazy. I texted my doctor's secretary about it and she told me to test again later that day and to come in after two days for a check up. I took a test in the evening of the same day with a more expensive test but it was negative. I was devastated.
I texted the secretary again and said it was negative but she was so positive telling me to test again tomorrow morning and for sure I will get 2 lines. I didn't feel hopeful. My body is telling me that my period is about to come. I tested again the following day with a cheaper test and saw another ghost line. I want to call it that because I feel like it's only me who sees it. But when I asked my hubby to take a look, he said he sees something too.
Still, I didn't think it was a legit BFP (big fat positive) so I bought a huge pack of sanitary napkin because I really felt that my period is coming anytime soon. However, I bought three more pregnancy tests to test with the next morning.
I had vivid dreams that night. I dreamed I had gotten real BFPs and that I am finally pregnant, til my alarm clock went off. I was so disappointed, I really thought it was real. So I got up, peed and tested right away using 2 tests. This time, I saw clearer lines than the ghost-like ones but I still wasn't sure. I thought maybe they were just lightly colored evaporation lines. I wanted to see my blood test results which was scheduled to be released at 2pm of the same day but was taken a day ago.
I went to the doctor, curiously waited for my turn and refreshed the online results page for my blood test results. Finally, it came through and it was POSITIVE!!! I couldn't believe my eyes and said OMG OMG OMG and ran all the way to the waiting room where my husband was.
We were so happy because the blood test was more reassuring than a urine test. When my turn came, the doctor checked my lining and said that it was consistent with pregnancy. She told me that we still can't see the baby this early at only 4 weeks 4 days but she asked me to come back after two weeks for another ultrasound.
We are over the moon. I still can't believe that our first IUI worked as I have read a lot of failed ones. I thank the Lord profusely because none of this would be possible if He did not give the go signal. I love you, God! To my doctor, I love you too. Thank you for making my dreams come true.
We have not yet announced it on Facebook but we have told quite a lot of our close friends already, people at work and of course, our family. Now praying for a healthy baby. Baby dust to everyone! If it happened to me, it can happen to anyone. So never give up and keep the faith, it's all you can do, REALLY. :)
Remember I did the IUI in March 4. I started peeing on sticks since day 7-12 and got negatives. I stopped myself from buying pregnancy tests for days 13 and 14. On day 15, which is day one of my missed period, I decided to test again and got the lightest second line ever to the point that you really have to squint to see something. I thought to myself that maybe it's just my eyes playing tricks on me or maybe I am just going crazy. I texted my doctor's secretary about it and she told me to test again later that day and to come in after two days for a check up. I took a test in the evening of the same day with a more expensive test but it was negative. I was devastated.
I texted the secretary again and said it was negative but she was so positive telling me to test again tomorrow morning and for sure I will get 2 lines. I didn't feel hopeful. My body is telling me that my period is about to come. I tested again the following day with a cheaper test and saw another ghost line. I want to call it that because I feel like it's only me who sees it. But when I asked my hubby to take a look, he said he sees something too.
Still, I didn't think it was a legit BFP (big fat positive) so I bought a huge pack of sanitary napkin because I really felt that my period is coming anytime soon. However, I bought three more pregnancy tests to test with the next morning.
I had vivid dreams that night. I dreamed I had gotten real BFPs and that I am finally pregnant, til my alarm clock went off. I was so disappointed, I really thought it was real. So I got up, peed and tested right away using 2 tests. This time, I saw clearer lines than the ghost-like ones but I still wasn't sure. I thought maybe they were just lightly colored evaporation lines. I wanted to see my blood test results which was scheduled to be released at 2pm of the same day but was taken a day ago.
I went to the doctor, curiously waited for my turn and refreshed the online results page for my blood test results. Finally, it came through and it was POSITIVE!!! I couldn't believe my eyes and said OMG OMG OMG and ran all the way to the waiting room where my husband was.
We were so happy because the blood test was more reassuring than a urine test. When my turn came, the doctor checked my lining and said that it was consistent with pregnancy. She told me that we still can't see the baby this early at only 4 weeks 4 days but she asked me to come back after two weeks for another ultrasound.
We are over the moon. I still can't believe that our first IUI worked as I have read a lot of failed ones. I thank the Lord profusely because none of this would be possible if He did not give the go signal. I love you, God! To my doctor, I love you too. Thank you for making my dreams come true.
We have not yet announced it on Facebook but we have told quite a lot of our close friends already, people at work and of course, our family. Now praying for a healthy baby. Baby dust to everyone! If it happened to me, it can happen to anyone. So never give up and keep the faith, it's all you can do, REALLY. :)
Saturday, March 12, 2016
My IUI Experience
It's 2016 already, meaning I have been married for over 3 years now and still no baby. :( When I got my period in February, my husband and I decided to see my RE to seriously try again. I went in for a consult on Day 1 (first day of my period). I was given Letrozole 2 tabs a day for five days starting on Day 3 and was asked to come back on Day 10 for follicle monitoring. On Day 10, my follicles didn't grow much so I was injected with Gonal-F 150 iu and another shot on Day 12 with the same dosage. On Day 13, I was given another Gonal-F shot but with 75 iu this time and was given a trigger shot to be self-administered on Day 15 at 2am. IUI was scheduled on Day 16 at 12noon.
My husband and I stayed at an Airbnb accommodation which was near the hospital where our IUI will take place. It was a 15-minute walk away so it was very convenient for us. We came in at 10am for the semen collection and sperm washing. To my dismay, my hubby's count post wash was only 550,000. For higher chances of IUI success, we needed at least 5million. I was devastated. My doctor ordered a double IUI and my husband had to collect again at 2pm. This is when I experienced a miracle. After just 4 hours from his last collection, we were able to collect 10million post wash. I cried buckets. This time, I felt more hopeful. So we did the 2nd IUI at 3:15pm and my doctor told me that my uterus was more cooperative this time. I had to lie on my back for an hour after each IUI. The procedure was very quick but was also very uncomfortable and quite painful. A few days later, I saw on Youtube that there's this couple who did IUI and was successful with only 6million. I had 10,550,000 in total so more chances for me, right? :)
After the procedure, I went home. I was instructed to insert Crinone (vaginal gel) everyday for 15 days starting from 2 days after my IUI. I think this would help the baby stick to my womb or something. I was told to take a pregnancy test on Day 14 which is on March 18. Being the paranoid and impatient person most of us women trying to conceive are, I tested out my trigger shot (to see if the HCG trigger is out of my system) at 7 dpiui (days past iui). I tested again on 8&9 dpiui (yesterday and today), still negative. My friend tested positive on 10 dpiui but I am afraid to test tomorrow. I will try to wait until Day 14 because I don't want to expect a positive tomorrow and see a negative. I know it will break my heart, so let's just prolong the occurrence of my heartbreak for a bit.
I have been praying for a baby for over 2 years now. I keep telling God that I'm okay with whatever plans he has for me. If a baby isn't for me, then at least I have tried my best and showed Him how much I want it. A friend told me about the positive effects of visualizing your dreams and I have been doing that since last week. I am just so excited to find out if we're successful. But I'm also scared to know in case there is really nothing in here. I believe miracles can happen if I just believe. I know that God only has the best intentions for my life and I just have to trust Him. Whatever happens, I will be glad because it is what God wanted.
I hope I can come back to post another blog saying how happy I am for a BFP (big fat positive), but until then, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and continue to pray for our miracle. :)
My husband and I stayed at an Airbnb accommodation which was near the hospital where our IUI will take place. It was a 15-minute walk away so it was very convenient for us. We came in at 10am for the semen collection and sperm washing. To my dismay, my hubby's count post wash was only 550,000. For higher chances of IUI success, we needed at least 5million. I was devastated. My doctor ordered a double IUI and my husband had to collect again at 2pm. This is when I experienced a miracle. After just 4 hours from his last collection, we were able to collect 10million post wash. I cried buckets. This time, I felt more hopeful. So we did the 2nd IUI at 3:15pm and my doctor told me that my uterus was more cooperative this time. I had to lie on my back for an hour after each IUI. The procedure was very quick but was also very uncomfortable and quite painful. A few days later, I saw on Youtube that there's this couple who did IUI and was successful with only 6million. I had 10,550,000 in total so more chances for me, right? :)
After the procedure, I went home. I was instructed to insert Crinone (vaginal gel) everyday for 15 days starting from 2 days after my IUI. I think this would help the baby stick to my womb or something. I was told to take a pregnancy test on Day 14 which is on March 18. Being the paranoid and impatient person most of us women trying to conceive are, I tested out my trigger shot (to see if the HCG trigger is out of my system) at 7 dpiui (days past iui). I tested again on 8&9 dpiui (yesterday and today), still negative. My friend tested positive on 10 dpiui but I am afraid to test tomorrow. I will try to wait until Day 14 because I don't want to expect a positive tomorrow and see a negative. I know it will break my heart, so let's just prolong the occurrence of my heartbreak for a bit.
I have been praying for a baby for over 2 years now. I keep telling God that I'm okay with whatever plans he has for me. If a baby isn't for me, then at least I have tried my best and showed Him how much I want it. A friend told me about the positive effects of visualizing your dreams and I have been doing that since last week. I am just so excited to find out if we're successful. But I'm also scared to know in case there is really nothing in here. I believe miracles can happen if I just believe. I know that God only has the best intentions for my life and I just have to trust Him. Whatever happens, I will be glad because it is what God wanted.
I hope I can come back to post another blog saying how happy I am for a BFP (big fat positive), but until then, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and continue to pray for our miracle. :)
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