Embarking on the IVF journey is an emotional rollercoaster filled with hope, anxiety, and resilience. After sharing the first part of our story, we are now diving into one of the most crucial stages—egg retrieval and the much-anticipated pregnancy test results. This chapter of our journey has been filled with challenges, surprises, and moments of pure joy, and we are excited to take you along with us.
The Egg Retrieval Process 🏥💉
After weeks of hormone injections and monitoring, the day of our egg retrieval finally arrived. Leading up to this moment, I underwent several ultrasounds and blood tests to ensure my follicles were growing at an optimal rate. The trigger shot was administered 36 hours before the procedure to stimulate final egg maturation.
The Procedure
On retrieval day, I was both excited and nervous. The procedure itself was done under sedation, so I didn’t feel any pain. The doctor used a fine needle to extract the eggs from my ovaries, a process that took about 20-30 minutes. When I woke up, I felt some cramping and grogginess, but overall, I was relieved that this step was over.
Egg Count & Fertilization
The embryologist informed us that they retrieved X number of eggs (we were thrilled!). Over the next 24 hours, the lab worked its magic, fertilizing the eggs using either conventional IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). We anxiously waited for the fertilization report the next day.
When we got the call, we found out that X number of eggs successfully fertilized, giving us a solid starting point for our embryos. Each day, we received updates on embryo development, praying for healthy growth leading up to the embryo transfer.
The Waiting Game & Embryo Transfer 📅💙
Once our embryos reached the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or 6), we had a decision to make—do a fresh transfer or freeze the embryos for a later cycle. After discussing with our doctor, we decided on [fresh/frozen] transfer based on my body’s response.
The embryo transfer was an emotional yet beautiful experience. Watching the tiny embryo being placed inside the uterus via ultrasound felt surreal. Now, all we could do was wait for the longest two-week wait (TWW) of our lives.
The Pregnancy Test Results 🩸💓
After what felt like an eternity, the day of the pregnancy blood test finally arrived. Leading up to this moment, I experienced various symptoms—some giving me hope, others making me doubt everything. But as any IVF warrior knows, symptoms can be misleading.
Beta HCG Test
The pregnancy test, also known as the beta HCG blood test, measures the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the bloodstream. A positive result means implantation has occurred, and the pregnancy is progressing.
We received the call from our clinic, and our hearts were pounding. The nurse said, “Your beta HCG level is…”
At this moment, everything felt like slow motion.
Our Reaction & Next Steps 🌈🙏
Whether the result was positive or negative, this journey has been life-changing. If we received good news, we would prepare for upcoming ultrasounds to monitor the pregnancy. If the result wasn’t what we hoped for, we knew we had frozen embryos as a backup and would continue fighting for our dream.
No matter the outcome, IVF has shown us the power of resilience, love, and hope. This journey is not just about the destination—it’s about every small victory along the way.
Words of Encouragement 💕
For anyone going through IVF, we see you, we support you, and we understand your struggles. The waiting, the injections, the uncertainty—it’s all incredibly tough. But you are stronger than you know, and no matter what happens, you are not alone.
Stay hopeful, stay patient, and keep believing in your journey. We are sending love to everyone on this path, and we can’t wait to share what happens next.
#IVFJourney #EggRetrieval #PregnancyTestResults #HopeAndFaith
