Getting Prague-nat

So everything went really well for our double embryo transfer today.

I arrived at the clinic and met with my IVF Coordinator, Lucie. Lucie gave me a brief overview how the procedure would happen, although I knew exactly what was going to happen because I’ve stalked everything online about frozen embryos transfers (can I have my medical license now?)

Then Lucie took me to talk with our doctor, Dr Jan, and the embryologist Dr. Burkna. They went over the status of our 2 embryos. Both of our embryos thawed well and did not lose any cells which is good news, they are both excellent quality embryos at the ideal stage of development for transfer. Dr Jan performed an ultrasound and said my uterine lining was ideal for the implantation. Since I had chosen to undergo acupuncture sessions before and after the FET, Dr Jan released me to my acupuncturist, Hannah.

For those of you unfamiliar with Acupuncture, it isn’t a painful process at all. The needles that are inserted in the body’s pressure points are super thin. When Hannah inserted the needles I felt sort of an electricity pulsate though my body. The first session (before the embryo transfer) was concentrated on blood flow. My acupuncturist know that I suffer from Raynaud’s disease which can affect blood flow to my hands and feet and oftentimes my extremities get grey frost-bitten type look to them when blood flow is decreased, usually in the winter months. My acupuncturist used pressure points in my body to promote blood flow to the uterus (she focused on promoting blood flow to the liver, kidneys and spleen since they are close to where our little embryos will be burrowing. The added blood flow will aid the embryos with implanting.

Next it’s time for our FET! The transfer was so easy and quick, it only took 10 minutes, two doctors were in the surgical room, one to guide the catheter containing our embryos and the other monitoring the ultrasound screen. An abdominal ultrasound was used for guiding the catheter so they covered my stomach with cold gel. Patients are required to have a full bladder for the FET procedure, so of course, I over did it and felt miserable like I was going to pee on the entire medical staff while the doctor performing the ultrasound putting pressure on my lower abdomen! Eeek. I’m glad it was over quickly!!

Afterwards, I went back for the second acupuncture session where my acupuncturist focused on relaxation. It’s crucial to not get have elevated blood pressure/ stress/ increased heart rate in the upcoming weeks, that type of activity puts extra stress on my body and the embryos are fragile.

My Czech acupuncturist (who is a total bohemian hippy and by no means a doctor) said my husband and I have the best possible day for the FET procedure because tonight is the full pink moon, which only happens once a year. According to astrology (which is total bullshit, amiright?!) a full pink moon is considered the optimal sign of fertility, motherhood and spiritual womanhood. Hannah suggested that the universe has “big plans” for us (that better not be triplets).

My doctor told me as I was exciting the clinic “congratulations, you’re officially 2 weeks pregnant” so that was kind of cool. Hopefully the embryos continue to grown as they should and we have a little Christmas baby or two.

Non-IVF related, It’s been amazing weather-wise in Prague. I’ve gotten a lot of exploring and adventuring into this short trip abroad.