Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) 2.0: Transfer Day!

Uterus Lining: FET 1.0 (Jacob) my lining measure 7.5 mm. FET 2.0 measured 8 mm!!!!!

Embryos: FET 1.0 (Jacob) transfer two 3BB embryos, did assisted hatching on both. FET 2.0 transferred 5BB, 4BB and only did assisted hatching on the 4BB embryo.

Here is how the rate day 5 Blastocyst Embryos:

1. Blastocyst development stage - expansion and hatching status
2. Inner cell mass (ICM) score, or quality
3. Trophectoderm (TE) score, or quality

You can read more about how they rate embryos here. It is really interesting.



FET 1.0 (Jacob)

 

FET 2.0



This time I decided that I wanted to do acupuncture before the transfer. There are several studies by which acupuncture could influence the results of In vitro Fertilization - IVF. Acupuncture may help improve blood flow in the uterine arteries of infertile women.

The most immediate possible effect is that acupuncture served to "relax" the uterus around the time of the transfer. Several studies have shown that the uterus has contractions and that these contractions could cause expulsion of the transferred IVF embryos. If the contractions were reduced by acupuncture then that could be a mechanism for an improvement in IVF pregnancy up to 15%. (Read more about it here)

I received acupuncture 25 minutes before and 25 minutes after the embryo transfer. My acupuncturist came to the clinic which was very convenient. The combination of Valium and acupuncture is like heaven. I felt so relaxed and had very little discomfort and cramping during the embryo transfer.




 



Right after the transfer with Dr. Heiner.

The clinic had a new TV screen in the transfer room in which we could see the embryologist loading the embryos in the catheter. It was really neat. They had me verbally identify my name and birthday three times to verify transferring the correct embryos.

Overall, this cycle is looking great! Even better than with Jacob. I will have a blood test done in a few weeks. If it's positive I will wait a few weeks before posting on my blog. I really appreciate all the support, prayers and love. I am really blessed with great family and friends.

Acupuncture for Fertility

Last week I had an acupuncture treatment for the first time. I'm not a fan of needles but thought I would give it a try since there is a significant amount of research showing that acupuncture for and in conjunction with other fertility treatments can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

I was pleasantly surprised that it was relaxing. The doctor placed very fine needles in my hands, feet and lower abdomen. It took a few minutes for my body to relax but when it did I felt great.

 

Vitamins and drops I take daily.

In February I saw a Bionetic Practitioner, he did a full body scan and recommended taking some homeopathic drops. I never really thought I would try homeopathic remedies but at this point I might as well try something I haven't tried yet. I am hopeful that at least it will prepare my body for a frozen embryo transfer when the time comes.

What are your thoughts on alternative medicine?