In-Gender.com

Scientific studies + timing

minervasmom — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:16:00 GMT

One of the "truisms" in swaying is that timing is of minimal importance. Shettles' theories have largely been disproven, timing is listed as the least important of the seven swaying factors, and many assume that as long as the environment is right, timing really doesn't matter. Part of the reason for this dismissal of timing seems to come from the apparent lack of scientific studies supporting it.

One such scientific study that finds no evidence for timing is "Timing of Sexual Intercourse in Relation to Ovulation - Effects on the Probability of Conception, Survival of the Pregnancy, and Sex of the Baby." The study analyzes the last day intercourse occurred on and "[finds] no association between the sex of the baby and the timing of intercourse in relation to ovulation."

http://nejm.highwire.org/cgi/content/full/333/23/1517

The problem with this study is a problem I suspect a lot of timing studies have: it is looking at the wrong timing patterns. Most BD patterns do not sway, or if they sway, it is probably just by a small amount. There are only a handful of BD patterns I have found that may significantly influence gender (these are the patterns that I have at least 20 charts for and that have a greater than 55% effectiveness rate):
- 1 time BD the day before ovulation (23 charts): sways boy 65.2%
- 2 day cut-off (44 charts): sways girl 56.8%
- 3 day cut-off (22 charts): sways girl 68.2%
- frequent BD (at least 4 times) with a 1 day cut-off (26 charts): sways girl 69.2%
- frequent BD (at least 4 times) with a 1 day cut-off AND BD the day after ovulation (45 charts): sways girl 57.8%
* And, of course, I think O+12 also sways, but I can't evaluate it in my study.

If a study isn't looking for one of the handful of timing patterns that may sway, it is unlikely to find any evidence that timing works. For instance, the study above looked at the last day that intercourse occurred, and determined how many boys and girls were conceived. This is the graph of its findings:

There aren't numbers to indicate how many boys and girls were conceived with BD ending on each of these days; however, the article says 129 pregnancies resulted in a live birth, so there must be at least 129 pregnancies in the graph.

One of the obvious problems with looking at the last day of intercourse to evaluate timing is that BD patterns with a 1 day cut-off (for instance) can be very different. Both the best boy timing method and best girl timing method (in my opinion) have a 1 day cut-off. Yet the results are very different if there is no BD before the cut-off than if there is lots of BD beforehand.

Another problem is that the vast majority of all conceptions (at least by people who are trying to get pregnant) have intercourse the day before or day of ovulation. In this study, there were a total of 192 pregnancies initiated (including those that ended in m/c or stillbirth), and only 12 were from a 3 day or more cut-off (so only 6.25% of all pregnancies). This is similar to what I found in my study: only 38 charts out of 700 had a 3 day or more cut-off (5.4% of all pregnancies). I don't know how many charts had a 2 day cut-off in the study above, but the bars for the graph are significantly lower for 2 days before ovulation than they are for 1 day before ovulation. In my study, I only found 82 charts with a 2 day or more cut-off (11.7% of pregnancies). So, in other words, upwards of 88% of charts in my study had BD ending the day before or day of ovulation (and the percentage was probably similar in the study above). It is difficult to tell anything about timing by looking at the day intercourse ends, since almost all conceptions end on just two days.

A final problem is looking at too few pregnancies. Evaluating the sex ratio based on the last day of intercourse COULD identify whether cut-offs of 2, 3, or 4+ days influences gender. However, since cut-offs of 2 or more days are relatively uncommon, you have to look at a LOT of pregnancies to find very many cut-offs. Even with 700 charts, I still only have 82 cut-off charts in my study. 129 pregnacies is simply too few to be able to evaluate whether cut-offs sway.

As a test, I decided to look at the charts in my study to see if I also found timing of intercourse to have "no influence" if I only looked at the day ovulation ended. Since the study above looked at the last day of intercourse BEFORE ovulation, I left out charts that had BD AFTER ovulation. This is what I found:
- BD ends on O: 116 girl charts, 124 boy charts (sways boy 51.7%)
- BD ends on -1: 63 girl charts, 64 boy charts (sways boy 50.4%)
- BD ends on -2: 25 girl charts, 19 boy charts (sways girl 56.8%)
- BD ends on -3: 15 girl charts, 7 boy charts (sways girl 68.2%)
- BD ends on -4: 6 girl charts, 3 boy charts (sways girl 66.7%)
- BD ends on -5+: 2 girl charts, 5 boy charts (sways boy 71.4%)

If I include the charts with BD the day after ovulation, the results are similar.
- BD ONLY on the day after O: 1 girl chart, 0 boy charts (sways girl 100%)
- BD ends on O: 193 girl charts, 206 boy charts (sways boy 51.6%)
- BD ends on -1: 98 girl charts, 90 boy charts (sways girl 52.1%)
- BD ends on -2: 31 girl charts, 30 boy charts (sways girl 50.8%)
- BD ends on -3: 18 girl charts, 13 boy charts (sways girl 58.1%)
- BD ends on -4: 6 girl charts, 6 boy charts (50/50)
- BD ends on -5+: 3 girl charts, 5 boy charts (sways boy 62.5%)

In both analyses, the only significant result was that 2-3 day cut-offs sway for girl. All other patterns either had too few charts to be significant or had results close to what would be expected from chance. If I was just looking at the day intercourse ended, I would be able to tell that 2-3 day cut-offs swayed, but otherwise it would look like timing had no effect.

In conclusion, I do think timing is important, and I do think some BD patterns sway. However, since most BD patterns don't sway or sway very little, scientific studies are not going to recognize the importance of timing unless they are looking for the handful of BD patterns that influence gender. Simply looking at the last day of intercourse is not an effective way to evaluate whether or not timing sways.

I have my Meds!

Lillylolly — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:38:00 GMT

I am delight to say that the Lupron I was waiting on, arrived via Fedex this morning - a mere 36 hours after being ordered from the US! Shortly after, the remaining injections arrived and I was able to check it all out.

Surprisingly, I am actually feeling ok about starting the Lupron on Monday. The needles don't look at all that bad. I'm sure it will be just like a bee sting LOL!

I spoke to my Nurse last night who went over my protocol & the logistics of travelling overseas to cycle. She was very helpful & managed to answer all my questions. I feel in very safe hands.

We also have our Consultation set up with GSN for the 31st of March. I am not sure what will be discussed - although I am sure it will provide us an opportunity to ask questions.....

36w3d - Everything looks fine (+ I am sooo done!!)

GreenZelda — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:36:00 GMT

We saw our OB today and the news is good. She's thrilled we've made it past 36 weeks. Yay!

I didn't mention from my last visit, but twin A somehow managed to flip to breech after being head-down for weeks, so we're now looking at a definite c-section. Twin B is transverse as usual.

So my section is schedueld for the end of this month, just after 38 weeks (unless I go into labor on my own before that). Argggggg, this last little while is dragging by!!! You other multiples mamas will know what I mean. Let me whine for a minute:

- I'm carrying ~12 pounds of babies
- I have a TON of new stretchmarks, creeping higher up my abdomen, since Twin B keeps getting pushed up higher and higher
- Back is overtaxed now due to carrying so much extra weight in my front
- Hips and pubic bone are sore
- I tire easily after having been on bedrest for 8 weeks

But the good stuff:

- I will have term babies in the end, despite all previous concerns about shortening cervix / premies
- Chronic acid reflux is finally under control (thank you Pepcid!!)
- I am sleeping better now that I'm off bedrest (I think it's because I can actually get up and about a little, so "tire" myself out enough to sleep normally)
- I only gained 1.5 pounds in the last 2 weeks. Yay!!

BTW, total weight gain so far is nearly EIGHTY POUNDS, yes, that's right! I did the same with DS, which is BAAAD. It will take me at least 6 months to get back to my usual weight. Fun!! (not) I am usually on the small side of average, so this gain is extreme. I do not recommend it, as it stretches out the skin all over, unnecessarily.

DH and DS are still being very supportive and helpful. And my mother and in-laws sent flowers to encourage me through these last few difficult days in the pregnancy. Very thoughtful!

Okay girls, you can come any time now!!! lol

Medications Ordered & Paid for!

Lillylolly — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:20:00 GMT

I have now ordered & paid for all my medications.

The order was made in two parts: The Menopur, Gonal-F pens & Doxycycline I ordered from IVFmeds.com. The total price, including the £39 delivery charge (!) was £1526.50.

The Lupron kit, Ovidrel, Medrol dose pk (steroid) and Estradiol Valarate ( injection) was ordered from a Pharmacy in California & cost US$529.36.

The Lupron kit will arrive here by FedEx with the remaining meds sent to HRC for me to pick up once I arrive. Unfortunately, the Lupron was out of stock with IVFmeds, hence my rushed order from overseas. As it was left quite late to order there is a chance it will not arrive before Tuesday (1st day of injections). I am hoping it does and will think of a back-up plan if need be.

In other news, the "Swab Kit" arrived (via FedEx) needed for the 24 Probe PGD. We will complete the test and return via FedEx tomorrow. Oh & I have no idea how much *that* will cost!

ETA: The "Swab Kit" was returned via FedEx today (International Priority) at a cost of £47.35 (!) Hoping that it is not held up at Customs & in good time. Fingers crossed!

Australia renews gender selection debate

Dr. Potter — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:25:00 GMT

Australia considers lifting ban on sex selection 15 March 2010 By Nishat Hyder Appeared in BioNews 549 The Australian federal five-year moratorium on the use of gender selection technology in IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment for so-called 'social' reasons ends this year, reopening this controversial debate. The Australian health watchdog, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), confirmed that that it will be conducting a review of this issue, beginning within the next...(read more)

All Paid Up!

Lillylolly — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:13:00 GMT

Well, almost! We have just made the large payment to HRC for our 3 x IVF cycle package. It wasn't actually as bad as I was expecting! We made it via "International Bank Transfer" (£20 Bank Charge).

Here is what we have paid for:

$12,000 3 cycle of IVF

$ 4,100 PGD/GSN 24 (1^st cycle)

$ 1,200 ICSI ( 1^st cycle )

--------

$17,300 TOTAL (which converts to around £11800.00)

We still need to pay Microsort $2,995.00, which is payable to Microsort directly. Anesthesia: $400.00, which is paid by cash, payable directly to the doctor on the day of the egg retrieval, she is not part of HRC & it cannot be included with total. And, if needed, Cryopreservation of embryos and the first year of storage $700.00 (if needed, payable to HRC on transfer day if procedure is performed).

I am now waiting on IVFmeds.com to contact me for payment over the phone.

I have also booked my first monitoring U/S in London which will happen on Day 5. We will be in California for the remaining scans.

I start Lupron next Tuesday and I am still feeling really nervous about it all. However, inspiring success stories here on IG keep me positive. This will work. I will achieve my dream.

My Meds are Ordered & My Fear of Needles

Lillylolly — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:49:00 GMT

I have had email confirmation that my meds are now ordered from IVFmeds.com. I am just standing by to make the payment. I will have the Lupron, Menopur and Gonal-F Pens as well as the Doxycycline, delivered here to my house. The Ovidrel, Medrol dose pk (steroid) and Estradiol Valarate will be shipped to HRC for me to collect when I arrive as IVFmeds.com do not stock these. At this stage I have no idea how much the total bill will be but I am hoping it will not be more than £2000.

On the plus side (!), I can buy the 'low dose Aspirin 81mg' I need from Tesco, for under £1 (YAY).

I have been thinking a lot about the injections and tried searching YouTube for information and forewarning (if you could call it that). I am not sure it was a huge help as I came away feeling sick & almost fainting from the sight of the 2 inch needles.

I am not a fan of needles. TBH I am better with injections that I am with blood draws but the thought of doing it day in day out made me feel ill. I am also really scared of having to inject in a sore area & being in pain all day because of it.

Here are a few YouTube links which I came across which other may find interesting - they are from the same poster.

This YouTube link shows the posters IVF drugs all laid out before she starts her cycle. This really surprised me. I am glad to have seen this first so I don't pass out with shock when my meds arrive.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CavieJasper#p/u/8/QbwkOIF7JTs

Here is the link to the poster using her Gonal-F pen:

http://www.youtube.com/user/CavieJasper#p/u/18/fADyj_nLKqs

And now the scary one, the intra-muscular PIO shot:

http://www.youtube.com/user/CavieJasper#p/u/2/2lRmo0D9m7w

Sadly, the posters own IVF cycles were not successful. She went on to post this heartbreaking video

http://www.youtube.com/user/CavieJasper#p/a/u/0/e5dPXXPxVKs

35/36 wk appt

gsbabies — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:51:00 GMT

So, b/c my dr has changed my due date my days and weeks are a little off. I don't really see the point in changing the due date 3 days b/c what is the point? I refuse to add the additional 3 days! LOL

My appt was Thurs and my dr. checked me and I was only dialated to a 1 and she said my cervix was thick. I have NEVER been checked (with the boys) and was a 1. I have always been way further than that! Also, I've NEVER been told my cervix was thick. That was the reason I went into preterm labor with my first is b/c my cervix was acting up! With both boys anytime I was checked I was 50% effaced and told the baby was low. Again, something new for me to hear...this time around she said the baby is still high!

Both boys came at 37 wks. I am 36 wks now no matter which due date you use and I'm gonna be a freak if this baby decides to hang out in my uterus for the full 40 or more weeks. She needs to get out of there next week/weekend....I'll even give her until the following Mon or Tues but I'll tell you this after that the "Welcome Sign" is gone. She needs to go!

It isn't that I'm just tired of carrying around the extra weight, tired of the same old maternity get up (b/c right after birth I know it would be too much better), or that I can't sleep anymore. It is also that I want to see what this little pumpkin looks like! I want to see those frilly little dresses on her and her tiny & giant hairbows plastered to her head!!! I just can't wait. I'm trying to pretend the sleepless nights and smelly poops aren't coming.

So, hopefully It will be another week to a week & 1/2 !! I'll let you know.

My Prescriptions arrived via FedEx

Lillylolly — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:17:00 GMT

I have just now received my packet of Prescriptions & Information from HRC. I am feeling VERY overwhelmed with all the information and paperwork. There are instructions for giving myself the shots and many, many highlighted consent forms that DH & I need to sign. I am sure it will take at least a night to read & undersand everything.

The next step is getting the prescriptions filled - well, getting some quotes at least. I am leaning towards IVFMeds.com as they seem to have a good reputation & are reasonably priced. I will investigate if I can have the prescriptions re-written by my local monitoring clinic but TBH it may just be easier to have IVFMeds fill it - less stress & less explaining to do.

We will be making the huge payment to HRC via International Bank Transfer around the 20th of this month. YIKES! In the meantime I have made an appointment for my first Ultrasound on the 31st of the month. This U/S will check the Endometrial Lining & Follicle Size & Number. I will also have my E2 bloods done.

Less than 2 weeks until I start Lupron. Gosh, I am scared but I need to be brave. There have been many, many go before me - this is my time & I am doing this for my dream. A Daughter......

Xmas 2010 Blue sway notes and timings

sevenlilpigs — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:46:00 GMT

Right!! I need to get all the little things in one place so i am ready to go for a Xmas 2010 blue bfp.

Firstly timings for weaning bump,

Baby 8 due 16th June 2010

October 2010 - start to wean on food and formula - baby 4 months

20 Nov 2010 - drop night booby feeds for little one, hopefully this should re-start 1st ovulation around 4th Dec 2010. No attempt Dec, due to flamin babyman predictor being 8/8 right and him saying Dec is pink month. Also read Tamara post saying that 2nd cycle after BF is good to go.

18 Dec 2010 - hopefully this will be 1st AF, the MOST stressful week of the year for me anyway, perfect for blue. Time to give baby their last booby feed, ready for hopefully early Jan ovulation attempt.

Diet changes

October - Drop all dairy apart from 1-2 ounce of milk on porridge as still partly b/f. Switching meals to include, ham, beef, bacon, pasta, potatoes and tomatoes. Snacks allowed apricots and bananas.

December drop the milk on porridge and add bananas to each breakfast.

Supplements

Oct - Start royal jelly capsules, look into flax seed oil.

Dec- Add daily spoonful of fresh royal jelly, look around for affordable bee pollen.

Drinks

Oct - Start drinking lemon water

Dec - Start ACV shots, look into grapefruit juice increasing CM.

NOTES

Cold food sways blue, learn more about ions, look into moon patterns for hopeful ovulation times. Convince OH to give up smoking for a few days at New Year. Eat regular all day to keep blood sugars high.

Look into moon prediction, change predicted ov dates as these fall into prime pink territory!

I have my Protocol!

Lillylolly — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:35:00 GMT

I haven't updated my Blog in a few weeks and I have a lot of things to add!

I started BCP to 5th of February & got my AF exactly 5 days after finishing the 21 pills. I suffered from awful nausea & tiredness for the first 2 weeks on the pills but thankfully that passed as I began taking the pills at night.

I am now back on BCP for the lead up to my cycle!! I have my Protocol & I am just waiting on the precription for my medications. I start Lupron on the 23rd of March and then WE fly to California on the 5th of April. We are heading out earlier than needed as we are planning on relaxing and taking in the sights of LA.

Our ER is scheduled for the 12th with a ET planned for the 17th! We will fly back home after bedrest on the 19th.

Right now I am feeling very excited about the holiday. We are trying to think of the whole thing as a holiday with the IVF as an extra, if that makes sense? The flights are booked, the hotel is organised and we will make the payment to HRC on the 21/22 of the month.

For those that are interetsed, I have the total costs involved with MS/PGD/IVF at HRC. We will be opting for the 3 cycle package and hoping that it will bring us our DD. I will copy and paste the costs here:

Single cycle of IVF $6900.00 (payable to HRC)

This fee includes ultrasounds and labs once you have started the injectable medications, the egg retrieval procedure, the embryo transfer procedure, the doctor’s and facility fees, IVF culture laboratory services, first blood test to confirm pregnancy. Any of these services performed at another center or facility are your responsibility to pay directly to that center or facility. HRC does not reduce our rates for services performed elsewhere. No exceptions.

Additional fees above and beyond the IVF cycle are:

Medications $2000-$5000.00 (payable to the pharmacy of your choice)

Anesthesia $400.00 (cash, payable directly to the doctor on the day of the egg retrieval, she is not part of HRC, cannot include with total)

ICSI $1200.00 (payable to HRC)

AHA (assisted hatching) $550 (payable to HRC), done if PGD is not performed

PGD2 probe, gender only $2400 (payable to HRC)

PGD 24 probe, 24 chromosome genetic testing $4100 (payable to HRC)

Cryopreservation of embryos and the first year of storage $700.00 (optional, payable to HRC on transfer day if procedure is performed)

Microsort $2,995.00 payable to Microsort directly.

Any pre-cycle testing or post OB/Gyn services (fees vary, payable to the center or facility where these services were rendered)

Here is a better breakdown what would be owed:

An IVF cycle with PGD 2 probe, Gender Only:

IVF $6900.00 + ICSI $1200 +PGD 2 $2400 = grand total $10,500.00

An IVF cycle with PGD 24 probe, 24 Chromosome Genetic Testing:

IVF$6900 + ICSI$1200 + PGD 24 $4100 = grand total $12,200.00

These cycle Totals do not include the extra cost for: Medications, pre-cycle testing, anesthesia, cryopreservation, and any post OB/Gyn services.

Our two and three cycle plans are like insurance cushions. You are prepaying upfront for the reduced fee. If you need to do another IVF cycle you have already paid for it and received a reduction in price. The two cycle option is $9,900.00 and the three cycle plan is $12,000.00. You have nine months to complete the two cycle and one year to complete the three cycle option. These are not refund or shared risk programs. If you do get pregnant on your first attempt then the remaining cycle(s) are null and void, no refund of money, no using the additional cycle(s) at a later date. It is a loss to you. And please be aware that your additional fees apply per cycle.

If you purchase two cycles, here’s the cost breakdown:

$9,900 2 LC cycle of IVF

$4,100 PGD/GSN 24 (1^st cycle)

$1,200 ICSI(1^st cycle)

------

$15,200 (Paid to HRC, prior to medication start)

If you purchase the 3 LC cycle, here is what will be owed:

$12,000 3 cycle of IVF

$ 4,100 PGD/GSN 24 (1^st cycle)

$ 1,200 ICSI ( 1^st cycle )

--------

$17,300 (Paid to HRC, prior to medication start)

When purchasing the 2 or 3 LC cycle package, each cycle you will need to pay for the ICSI, PGD, Medications, Cryopreservation of Embryos( paid on the day of the transfer, if procedure preformed), Anesthesia Fee of $400 cash on the day of the retrieval, paid directly to anesthesiologist and any post cycle testing.

The cost for your 2 LC cycle, you will owe prior to the med start:

$4100 PGD/GSN 24

$1200 ICSI Micro Fertilization

$5300 Total due before the 2^nd cycle start.

This does not include: Medications, pre-cycle testing, anesthesia, cryopreservation, and any post OB/Gyn services.

Your payment is due in full prior to the start of Medication… We accept all major credit cards EXCEPT AMEX!!!

20DPO... Still pregnant!

AllYouNeedIsLove — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:08:00 GMT

I went in for my second beta this morning, but I'm not too worried. I just did another test (havent done one for a few days) and the line came up so quickly and dark - much quicker than the one I did on Saturday.. Looking good!

My first beta was 143, and that was 16dpo. Feeling positive about this really being it.. I know its still early (I'm not quite 5 weeks pregnant yet!) but I'm really happy. I know how blessed we are to have gotten this far...

ETA: 2nd beta came back at 1086. Woohoo!! More than doubled twice in 4 days :)

Frequent BD + Testosterone

minervasmom — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:42:00 GMT

I've been reading a very interesting book, Heroes, Rogues and Lovers by James McBride Dabbs with Mary Godwin Dabbs, on testosterone. One interesting finding in the book is that people with high testosterone have more sex overall and have more sex with different people. However, while high testosterone is related to greater amounts of sexual activity, it also works the other way around: Having sex also increases testosterone.

One of the most popular timing methods for girls is frequent BD, based on the assumption that more BD lowers sperm count. It may very well be true that lots of BD lowers sperm count. However, as I've studied charts, I have NOT found that frequent BD favors girls. In fact, frequent BD seems to be close to 50/50 or to slightly favor boys. Even extended frequent BD (at least 7 BD times in the 10 days prior to through the day after ovulation) was also pretty close to 50/50, just slightly favoring girls. And the charts with the most BD (12-13 BD times) significantly favored boys (4 boy charts to 1 girl chart).

Before I started looking at charts, I assumed frequent BD would favor girls. It was surprising to find that it didn't. After reading what I have about testosterone, though, I have found a possible explanation. My hypothesis is that frequent BD raises testosterone levels in the dh and dw, and that increase in testosterone (which sways boy) offsets the benefit of lowered sperm count (which sways girl).

34 weeks - and officially OFF BEDREST!!!

GreenZelda — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:38:00 GMT

Hooray!! Both for the girls, and for me! So ends EIGHT WEEKS of home bed rest.

So today's big "celebration" was to spend the morning out shopping for final baby stuff. lol

Although I'm allowed up now, I am still very weak, so have to take it fairly easy anyways. But I am okay with that!

Meanwhile, I am pretty darn uncomfortable... frequent heartburn, itching stretchmarks, and major issues with my sleep schedule. I will be glad when this difficult pregnancy is finally over!! lol

More appointments coming up this week, will post again when I have any updates. Let's hope A is still head down!

A year ago today...

gsbabies — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT

my dad passed away. I was in the midst of my fresh ivf/pgd cycle and was an emotional basketcase. My dad lived 12 hrs away so I had to travel there was was there for 1 1/2 wks before he passed away. I am greatful for that.

I remember thinking if I should continue my cycle or if I should put it on hold. I decided that I really needed the "good" stuff and I needed that to help me be hopeful! I continued on with the shots and stuff and then the next month I completed my cycle. I got a BFN and it was just more heartache. I felt so low. How could I have the death of my dad and the death of my embryo in just a matter of 2 months. However, there was light at the end of the tunnel and when I did my FET this past summer I got a BFP.

So now, a year later, I have a little girl growing inside of me which could be here in just a matter of weeks. I wish my dad would have gotten to know that I was going to have a little girl. I would have liked to hear his reaction and what nickname she would have gotten (everyone gets a nickname in my family!!)

I am pregnant!!! Woohoooooo!!

AllYouNeedIsLove — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:27:00 GMT

I can't believe I get to write this post. I am 9dp5dt and we've had positives consistently since 5dp5dt.. starting to sink in that I am really pregnant!!

Everyday my BFPs are getting stronger!! I even got a positive on a digital yesterday.

Of course the fear of losing our bubba kicks in now too but I am trying to hold the faith and believe everything will be ok..

My first beta is on Monday (I tried to move it forward but Dr F wants me to wait) so now I am resting.. I have nausea from the progesterone and estrogen anyway and now I am sick with a throat infection.. but who cares?? I am pregnant!!

34 weeks, can hardly believe it.

Luvmyboys — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:46:00 GMT

I can hardly believe our twins made it this far. I am still finding the prospect of raising twins unbelieveably daunting, but like anything else...I am sure we will make it work. The room has been decorated, the showers have been thrown, and the closet is stocked. Now we just need two little girls to add to our family. We have high hopes they will make it several more weeks before they may their arrival, but we are prepared for the unexpected. Most importantly everyone is healthy and that is all we can really ask for.

33 wks

gsbabies — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:46:00 GMT

Just a quick update....

I had a baby shower yesterday and was so excited to get a bunch of pink goodies! Unfortunately, I'm (again) fighting a cold! I think the cold is winning this time for sure. Even though I felt like total crap I sucked it up and celebrated the coming of my new littlle girl! I had a dr's appt this past Tues. It had been 2 1/2 wks I had gained 3 lbs so I'm now at a total 19 lbs.

When I got home from the shower I started having a few pains in my "crotch" area. It didn't last long but when I went to the bathroom shortly after I noticed that I lost some of my mucus plug. With DS1 I lost my mucus plug very early on and I lost the whole thing (I'm guessing b/c it was HUGE). I then had early dialation & had to go on bedrest. With DS2 I don't remember anything about my mucus plug.

I know that the whole mucus plug thing doesn't mean a thing. I am getting nervous though just because I'm about 3 1/2 wks away from the golden 37 mark. So much to do so little time!!! I just have been feeling too sick to do anything too!

Catch Up Post.. ET to 2dp5dt

AllYouNeedIsLove — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:53:00 GMT

So i'm on my last day of bedrest today and looking forward to being up and around (and packing to go home) tomorrow.

I realized I hadn't updated this since my day 3 report so here it is..

On the morning of day 5 I had an email from my nurse confirming that we had 3 embryos to transfer and to please come in by 10:30am.

Having been through this before I was not nervous about the actual procedure but the prospect of putting 3 embryos back was not something we had planned on doing. I assumed that if our Dr was recommending to put 3 back in that the embies must have been slow growing or low grade but to my surprise we had 3 blasts all ready (one expanded blast b/c and two blasts graded b).

She gave us less than a 5% chance that all three embryos would take so my DH and I had a quick discussion.. We could have frozen the 3rd embryo but that would meaning coming all the way back to the US on the hope that it would defrost safely.. Or we could transfer it now, with the other two, and give it a shot.. Which is what we decided to do.

(My DH made me promise that if we did wind up with triplets we would be hiring 2 nannies.. and I agreed!)

We both think we did the right thing, and I'm very glad we made that decision.

HRC was watching a 4th embryo for us to see if it would catch up but since we havent heard from them I assume it didnt make it..

I've poas to check the trigger is out and it is, so I feel confident that if we do get a positive in the next few days its the real deal.. but having said that I don't feel at all certain we'll get pregnant.

I've been thinking about why I am so doubtful I will get pregnant.. The power of association is very strong and having been through this before, the only association I have with this wait is disappointment.

Intellectually I know this cycle may have a different outcome but emotionally all I know is what I have experienced in the past and the drive to protect myself from that pain is very strong..

So I continue to plan and prepare for returning home and focusing on anything BUT pregnancy.

I'll check back in when I start to properly poas... expecting the worst, but hoping for the best!!

32 weeks - Made it to bedrest milestone #2 !

GreenZelda — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Okay, so we're 32 weeks today! We are now officially past the windows of largest risks associated with prematurity.

Next goal - 34 weeks! At that point, I will be allowed off bedrest. Which will be great, as I have so much left to do to prepare. lol

Here's hoping!!

Does swaying work?

minervasmom — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:53:00 GMT

One of the questions that comes up on the boards all the time is "does swaying work?" These are my thoughts on the subject.

I've read the studies in the FAQ, I've read other information available here and elsewhere online, I've followed information about people's sways, and I've even done my own extensive research into one aspect of swaying (timing). My feeling is that swaying absolutely does "work" (in the sense that it increases your odds of a particular gender). I've seen lots of evidence that various things influence the gender ratio, and I think logically it makes sense that various environmental factors could influence gender.

I do think our knowledge of swaying is incomplete. There isn't a whole lot of research available, and so we don't really know how much various factors sway (does it sway 10%? 5%? 2%?), we may be unaware of some factors that sway, and we might even be wrong about the way certain factors sway. With incomplete information, there is some disagreement about how various factors sway. Some people think the moon sways; others of us are extremely skeptical that it has any influence at all. Some people think frequent BD through ovulation is a great girl swaying method; I think if it sways at all, it sways for boys. Still, despite our incomplete knowledge about swaying, I do believe we have identified a number of things that can influence the gender ratio.

However, I don't really think that swaying is all that effective. The most optimistic odds I have seen anyone give for a perfect sway is 75-80% effective. (The odds might be higher with extreme gender swaying, but since we have so few examples of people who have tried it, it's hard to know for sure.) People with near perfect sways are often stunned when they get an opposite and decide swaying doesn't work. People who see near perfect sways fail have their "faith" in swaying shaken. Personally, I agree with the 75-80% effectiveness rate for a near perfect sway. However, I guess I am different from most people in that I don't see 75-80% as being very good odds.

Look at it this way. The "normal" odds for gender are 50/50. So if you have 4 women who don't sway, 2 should end up with girls (or boys). In contrast, the odds for a near perfect sway are, perhaps, 75%. So if you have 4 women who all have near perfect sways, 3 should end up with girls (or boys). Even with a near perfect sway, the odds of an opposite are 1 in 4. And lots of people don't think perfect sways are even 75% effective.

Here's another way to look at it. I just had a miscarriage at 13 weeks. Two weeks earlier I saw the baby's heartbeat on an ultrasound and saw it move. My odds of having a take home baby at that point were 90-95+%. Those odds were significantly higher than my odds of a having a girl, even if my sway had been a lot better than it was. And yet, my baby still died. Loads of other women also lose their babies in the second and third trimester even when the odds are drastically in their favor. Does this mean doctors are wrong and seeing a heartbeat or reaching various pregnancy milestones have no impact on the chances of a healthy pregnancy? Nope. It just means that sometimes people end up on the unlucky side of the statistics, and it sucks. :(

I suspect the effectiveness of the "average" incomplete sway that most people do is 60-70%. 60% is definitely better than 50%, and if most sways are 60% effective, that means women have increased their odds of getting the gender they desire. Now, instead of having 5 women in 10 having girls (or boys), 6 in 10 will. But people need to keep in mind that neither 60% nor 70% nor even 80% is the same thing as 100%. It is inevitable that there will be opposites with swaying, and it is impossible to judge swaying by looking at a single person's experience. While I do think swaying increases a person's odds, I don't think swaying is even remotely close to a guarantee of one's desired gender.

Progress Report Day 3

AllYouNeedIsLove — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:07:00 GMT

Today's progress report is in and all six embies are still growing, which is wonderful news.. We currently have;

2 x 8 cell embies
1 x 7 cell emby
3 x 4 cells embies

All are grade b.

So now we wait and see how many get to day 5, and hopefully transfer on Monday.

Day 2 after ER.. Waiting waiting waiting

AllYouNeedIsLove — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:25:00 GMT

We find out tomorrow how our 6 little embies are doing. At this stage we are still not doing PGD but our RE wants us to wait if possible and do a 5 day blast transfer.. I guess we'll see how they are in the morning and go from there..

_______________________

To our beautiful little embryos..

Hi there. My name is Mummy. I'm hoping we get to meet in the next few days but I want you to know that whether you are on earth for 80 years or just a few short days, you are loved.

You are precious and there is nothing I wouldn't do to keep you safe.

Some of you might be tired, and if you decide to sleep thats ok. I don't know how all this works but I hope with all my heart that I might see you again someday, either here on earth or in heaven.

Rest my precious babies and know that your mummy and daddy love you.

Mumma x

__________________

Disappointing Fert Report

AllYouNeedIsLove — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:12:00 GMT

Out of the 24 eggs we havested, only 9 were mature and only 6 were fertlized.

I'm disappointed and even though I know intellectually we're not out of the game, emotionally I need to prepare for this cycle to be another failure...

31w3d - Cervix is holding steady! (for once, lol)

GreenZelda — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:41:00 GMT

We saw our OB today.

Great news - my cervix has not progressed in the last 10 days. Yay!!

My OB now thinks I will probably make it to 34 weeks. Wow! I will be allowed off bedrest at that point if I have not yet gone into labor. I am currently on my sixth week of bedrest. It has been going alright.

I am dreaming about going outside, vacuuming (DH has not been keeping up, lol) and finishing preparing for the babies. We have lots left to do! lol