Experiencing in vitro fertilization in the United States from egg retrieval to child rearing: A mother's emotional journey

🌟 Experiencing in vitro fertilization in the United States from egg retrieval to child rearing: A mother's emotional journey 🌟

As an ordinary working woman, I have also fantasized about welcoming a baby naturally. But after several natural pregnancies ended in regret, my husband and I ultimately decided to embark on the path of in vitro fertilization (IVF). On this journey, there were tears, laughter, countless uncertainties, and the joy of finally welcoming a little angel. Now I will share my mental journey and practical experience in detail, hoping to bring some help to sisters who are or are preparing to embark on the same journey.

📌 Heartbeat and Decision making

From consultation to signing, we have chosen two reputable reproductive centers, one of which is the famous INCINTA Fertility Center. I have done a lot of homework and compared the success rates, doctor qualifications, service processes, etc. of multiple hospitals at home and abroad. The main reason for finalizing a large reproductive center in the United States is:

The medical team has rich experience and is proficient in various complex cases. With advanced laboratory conditions, they can provide pre implantation genetic testing (PGT-A) services with transparent processes and convenient communication. The psychological support team, nutritionists, and physiological monitoring are all available

💡 Ovulation induction and monitoring stage

Ovulation induction is the first step of the entire IVF cycle, and I received a hormone injection regimen lasting about 10 days. During this period, it is necessary to regularly go to the clinic for B-ultrasound and hormone blood tests, so that doctors can adjust the dosage in a timely manner according to the growth of follicles. Many sisters are worried about the pain of the injection. In fact, the injection site is slightly swollen, and the psychological pressure is even greater. I have learned it.

Apply a hot compress at the needle site in advance, relax your muscles, and take turns giving each other injections with your husband to relieve tension. Keep a diary of the dosage, duration, and physical reactions

✅ Egg retrieval surgery

36 hours after the last trigger of ovulation hormone injection (HCG), the doctor arranged for egg retrieval surgery. The anesthesiologist will assist with sedation, which lasts about 20 minutes. After the surgery, patients can rest in the recovery room for 2 hours before being discharged. On the day of egg retrieval, I experienced mild bloating and lower abdominal discomfort, but it was not severe. The doctor emphasizes resting more, drinking more water, and avoiding vigorous exercise.

📌 In vitro fertilization and embryo culture

The retrieved eggs combine with sperm in the laboratory and form blastocysts after 3-5 days. The hospital will provide daily graphic and textual reports to keep us informed of the development of embryos in real time. I retrieved a total of 12 eggs at that time, and eventually 8 blastocysts entered the blastocyst stage, of which 5 passed pre implantation genetic testing (PGT-A), and the rest were all "implantable" healthy embryos.

Below is a table summarizing the main nodes:

💬 Embryo Transfer and Anxiety Period

Embryo transfer is a relatively simple outpatient surgery, but the "two-week ordeal" that comes with it is the true psychological test. I often wake up in the middle of the night and search various forums online to see when others can detect weak hCG signals. The doctor suggested to me:

Maintain a stable mindset, try to relax and engage in moderate exercise, such as walking, pregnancy yoga, pay attention to balanced nutrition, and supplement with folic acid DHA、 Vitamin B6 prevents staying up late and excessive use of electronic devices

With these suggestions, I insisted on writing a mood diary every day, and also encouraged other sisters in the WeChat group. The psychological counselor also recommended me to listen to some light music and meditate to relax, and the effect was quite good.

✅ Welcome to good news

After 11 days of transplantation, I finally obtained a significant hCG value through in vitro blood tests! At the fifth week after transplantation, when we saw the embryo's heartbeat through ultrasound, my husband and I were so excited that we cried and laughed. The entire team sent us congratulations together, creating a warm and touching atmosphere.

👶 Driving assistance during pregnancy and childbirth

After confirming pregnancy, the medication for luteal support will gradually decrease until the hormone levels in the body stabilize. Subsequently, it entered the routine production inspection process. Due to my medical treatment in the United States, I was accompanied by a Chinese assistant and translator throughout the journey, ensuring smooth communication. The most difficult part of pregnancy is the early pregnancy symptoms around the third month and occasional back pain in the middle, but compared to the previous uncertainty, all of this is worth it.

Finally, on the day of the due date, a healthy and lively little angel weighing 3.2kg was successfully delivered by caesarean section. At the moment of holding her, all the hardships and anxieties turned into joy and gratitude.

💡 My thoughts and suggestions

Choose a formal large-scale reproductive center, pay attention to the qualifications of doctors and laboratory strength; Manage mindset throughout the process and seek professional psychological support if necessary; Balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and guaranteed sleep; Record key data for the entire cycle to facilitate doctors in adjusting their plans in a timely manner; Maintain sufficient communication with your partner and face emotional ups and downs together.

💞 Conclusion

The road to in vitro fertilization is not smooth, but scientific solutions, professional teams, good psychological development, and the support of family and friends can make this path smoother. I hope my personal experience can bring some confidence and strength to sisters who are in a difficult choice or cycle - the future is foreseeable, we all deserve to have that little angel in our arms! ✅

This article link:https://bken.loadskill.com/896bb1ec763e