Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Coast is Clear

The bleeding, thank goodness, seems to have been left behind at the ER (knock wood). But I think until I give birth (here's hoping), going to the bathroom and looking down may require serious mental preparation and deep breathing. Also, it is not helpful that one of the few subtle symptoms I've had is absolutely insatiable thirst – which means I'm spending an awful lot of time in the bathroom bracing myself.

I am encouraged by the many similar stories I've now heard. More than one person has quoted that about half of IVF pregnancies experience bleeding. I wish someone would explain to me, then, why you are not told at some point in this lengthy process that bleeding can be normal. I'm just guessing but I'm thinking that could've saved me from a good amount of panic on Sunday. Certainly not all, but some.

When I spoke to my doctor on Monday, I asked her when I might be home free. When you're holding your baby, she said. Actually, she added, When your child gets accepted to college. It's a scary business, this world of pregnancy and parenthood. All we can do is hope and pray for the best (right now I'm hoping and praying that Monday's ultrasound and doctor's appointment are reassuring). The rest isn't up to us, which is a hard lesson that I'm still trying to swallow.

13 comments:

Paula Keller said...

Thankfully, I have not bled this time (knock wood!). I had implantation bleeding back in October and December about a week after transfer, and that was scary. My nurse said that it's common, and more common in IVF. I have also heard that the embryo takes several weeks to fully settle in, and that anytime during that it's still considered implantation bleeding.

I still obsessively check though.

I love your doctor's comment, when your child is accepted to college! LOL!

I'm glad you're getting an ultrasound on Monday. I wish I were. The wait is already annoying me!

Lori LeRoy said...

Hang in there, sweetie! More sticky thoughts being sent your way.

Heather said...

Glad the bleeding stopped. I hope the rest of your pregnancy is uneventful. Parenting is tough enough.

Amanda said...

Glad to hear that things are going well!

Kate said...

hoping and praying right along with you!

-Kate

Ashley said...

I think we are exactly the same...we had our retrievals on the same day. You just had a 3 day transfer and I had a 5..right?? Anyway, I will be praying that your ultrasound goes perfect and I will have a good one on Wednesday!! Definately get the book!!

kirke said...

I can't go to the bathroom without checking. Every single time. It's exhausting, I remember when a trip to the bathroom was just a trip to the bathroom...and not a temperature check of how my day is going to be.

I'm so glad that you are doing bad. I wish that you wouldn't have had to experience that.

Michelle said...

I am so happy to hear the bleeding has stopped.

Anonymous said...

Glad the bleeding stopped, and I hope it doesn't come back until you're pushing that baby out and holding it in your arms. Hope everything goes well on Monday!

Anonymous said...

I have heard that bleeding with IVF pregnancy can be normal. I really hope you are able to stay peaceful and calm, and have lots of strength, to help you and baby through this!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad the bleeding has stopped. No matter what they say about bleeding being common, it is so scary. I look every time I go to the bathroom too. Every single time. I'm hoping for a very reassuring ultrasound and appointment for you on Monday.

Jamie said...

I am so happy to hear that!

When we went for our first u/s on this pregnancy, it was the first time we ever saw a heartbeat. The relief was immediate but short lived. It was then I realized I will never stop worrying - from here on out.

Looking forward to hearing about Monday's u/s!!

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy to hear that things seem to be settling down. Hope things are smooth sailing from here.

-Callie