Transfer #3 - Chemical Pregnancy 💔

[XOXO13]

Hey everyone,

I had my double embryo transfer on the 30th March. My OTD was Friday 9th April at 10dp5dt, and I took a HPT in the AM and to my surprise the test was positive, although a faint positive but two lines nonetheless. Sadly my beta results came back low that Friday night (+progesterone at 45). They said to continue with meds but expect the worse.

I retested Sunday and did get a stronger line and was trying to remain hopeful that our third transfer had worked... sadly it was confirmed yesterday that my HCG is dropping and I’ve had a chemical pregnancy.

I feel so defeated even though I was told to expect the worse. That’s two embryos we lost in one go. I’m lucky to have two left (2x 3BB) but I’m not feeling hopeful for them given the other three transfers (four embryos) have all failed.

This is the furthest I’ve gotten with IVF, so I know my body tried to accept the embryo but it didn’t continue. I’m really tired of being told it’s just bad luck and a chromosomal issue. I’ve had a miscarriage (natural pregnancy), two unsuccessful transfers and now a chemical which tells me there is likely something there to be explored further. My consultant disagrees and doesn’t think further testing is necessary but I’m going to push her on it.

I’ve already received a few tips from some ladies in terms of asking for immune panel test and karaotyping test. Has anyone got any other suggestions of tips or questions I should be asking/discussing with my doctor at this stage?

💛 xx

[Lovemylion]

O hunny. Was really hoping for better news.so close...chemicals are cruel. With my last early mc I asked my doc why and he said early MCs are higher with frozen transfers at our clinic. But didn't give an explanation as to why. I'm afraid I don't have any tips for the doctor but hopefully some other ladies will be able to help who have already had some tests done. Like you say, you do still have 2 embryos left and they could be the ones. Was your progesterone high enough? I've never had mine tested so I don't know what a good level is.

IVF really seems to be a roulette at times and frustratingly still not an exact science.

I'd push for tests for your own peace of mind as it's important for us to feel like we're exploring every option.

Big hugs lovely. Be kind to yourself. You will get there 💕

Xxx

[XOXO13 in reply to Lovemylion]

Thank you 💛

I’ve had a very good cry, have big fat swollen eyes today but I’ve booked my hair in and my eyebrows and plan to pick myself up!

My progesterone levels on day of transfer were 40, and then last measured they were 45 which my clinic were happy with. I’ve read other clinics like it higher but I’m not entirely sure what they should be tbh!

It’s just frustrating when it’s always put down to bad luck, I don’t really believe that’s the case. Xx

[Lovemylion in reply to XOXO13]

Awh honey. I just wanna give you a big hug. Eyebrows and hair sounds like a very good plan! Yeh I know. It doesn't seem right that its just bad luck. So frustrating.

Really hope you get somewhere soon. Xxx

[XOXO13 in reply to Lovemylion]

Thank you 💛 xx

[Hidden]

I am so sorry to hear this, I can't imagine how hard it for you and hour husband... I have been thinking of you and hoping for you.Have you asked about DNA testing? My best friend has had lots of chemical miscarriages (and miscarriages) before trying IVF. She got 11 eggs and 6 to blastocyst but only 1 came back being ok with no DNA issues . The doctor explained that's why she had so many miscarriages but with that, she has now a very healthy viable embryo for her one shot. Obviously she was utterly heartbroken to only have one but then, as I said to her, she could have had 5 unsuccessful pregnancies which would have been even more heartbreaking in the long run.

I say this and actually, throughout all the miscarriages she had one successful pregnancy and has a little girl (outside of this IVF attempt)... there might be lots of horribly heartbreaking experiences but all it takes is that one healthy embryo. So many people secretly have the same issues but aren't as honest and brave to talk about it as you. I really do think it's important people do talk about it.

Once again, I am so so sorry, I have really been hoping for you and keep everything crossed for you xxxx

[XOXO13 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 💛

DNA fragmentation is on my list to ask - I thought that with ICSI, that would be identified but I’m assuming it’s a totally different test.

Did you friend have the embryos tested then? From my 7 collected, 7 fertilised and 6 made it to blastocysts which is really good and my consultant keeps reminding me of that. She said she’d expect me to have 30 percent abnormal eggs due to my age (70 percent normal) but so far, I’m feeling like they’re all a bad batch!

Thank you for your kind words. I’m so, so drained but I know I can’t give up xx

[Hidden in reply to XOXO13]

My friend had them tested and was also told that 30/50% should come back ok but out of 6 which got to 5 day blastocyst and only 1 came back ok which the dr said is very rare but explained a lot. It's worth asking about definitely as the heartbreak of the 2ww and excitement and let down is too much to bear. You will definitely get there, and when you do this will feel like a distant memory. It just takes one good one! I have everything crossed for you and have you in my thoughts - you've got this. Wishing you nothing but luck xxx

[Hidden in reply to XOXO13]

I had ICSI too but DNA testing is an extra cost and an extra month wait as they go through the testing of the embryo but if I had to do it again it is something I would definitely do xxx

[XOXO13 in reply to Hidden]

Wow, it’s worth doing that test then to see if those embryos are going to be okay. I’m just hesitant to transfer my last two without doing anything at all, so worth at least an ask! Xxxx

[Hidden in reply to XOXO13]

It's definitely worth asking about it and what the dr thinks. My friend had two embryos with downs, one with another condition etc. They wouldn't have continued with a pregnancy and the only thing I think, if this has happened before, going through the heartbreak is a lot, maybe asking to see what you have might and if they are viable beforehand is an idea... or at least worth asking a dr for their opinion. Googling it, the test is called: Pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS or PGT-A).Wishing you luck, keep us all posted xxx

[XOXO13 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for all of your advice and support 💛 xxx

[Positivemissp]

I'm so sorry about your chemical. It's truly devastating. I had a chemical with my third transfer of two embryos too. Afterwards, I had the basic miscarriage tests- thyroid, thrombophelia. I'd recommend those blood tests. Mine were fine so we had another transfer but with a slightly different FET protocol- medicated with lubion injections. I had a mmc at 13 weeks. Next two FETs tried different protocols too. One was mmc at 7 weeks and the other was negative. My second ec got 7 eggs with one making it to blast but that one made it- I'm 23 weeks pregnant after 7 transfers of 8 embryos. I researched the additional tests and was going to go for era/emma/alice with pgt-a but with only getting one blast decided to go for it. I was wary about the NK cell tests due to steroids with covid. Sometime, I think it's just about a bit of luck- getting the right embryo with the right lining at the right time. A doctor told me that even when everything is perfect, there's a 60% chance of it working. The other 40% is unknown to them. I was taking impryl, omega 3 and coq10 this time. I don't know if that did anything. I was really down and stressed so that didn't affect anything. It's so hard- all I can say is keep going of you can. It's a really really tough journey but you have embryos, you can get pregnant. I really wish you all the best.

[XOXO13 in reply to Positivemissp]

Wow you’ve been on quite a journey... so pleased to hear your current pregnancy is progressing well. Wishing you all the best for that 💛

I’ve had all the tests for recurrent miscarriage (I also pushed for those early on) and they came back okay other that my ANA and Anti-cardiolipin so with this transfer, I also took aspirin and heparin and I think that’s what helped us get a little further along (unless it’s just a coincidence).

My mum has chrones disease and rheumatoid arthritis and I’ve read that if you’ve got a close family member with those, plus you’ve experienced a missed-miscarriage and two failed transfers that it’s beneficial to have an immune panel done - that’s the part my consultant doesn’t agree with but I’m trying to push for for my own peace of mind.

I’ll keep fighting, whilst I’m tired, I know I can’t give up just yet. And your proof that it takes one beautiful embryo to stick! 🍀🤞🏻 Xxx

[Positivemissp in reply to XOXO13]

It does indeed! Sometimes I think we end up becoming mini experts about our own ivf treatments. It sounds like you've done your research and you know what you want to do. I would go for the immune tests as otherwise, you're going to be wondering. 🍀🍀

[Positivemissp in reply to Positivemissp]

P.s I spoke to another consultant at a different clinic who gave me a different perspective. I think it's well worth it.

[XOXO13 in reply to Positivemissp]

We definitely do, and we need to be our own advocates. As much as I trust and respect our doctors guidance and expertise, not everyone is a one glove fits all 🍀🍀 xx

[Millbanks]

Sending love 💗💖💔 xxxx

[XOXO13 in reply to Millbanks]

💛💛 xx

[Millbanks in reply to XOXO13]

I’m wondering if maybe a different clinic might be good if you’re getting pushed back on with other tests. Maybe even just a chat with a different consultant to see what they might do differently xx

[XOXO13 in reply to Millbanks]

Yeah, I’ve been thinking that too. My husband isn’t keen for it, he’d rather push our current consultant but I think we need a new perspective. Do you know how long it takes to connect with new clinics if you’re private? I’ve got a list of a few to explore xx

[Millbanks in reply to XOXO13]

So when covid hit I called a couple and booked free consultations. They were really interesting to see what plan the consultant came up with us. I think most clinics will do a free initial chat which can’t hurt! Even if you decide to stay where you are. Xx

[XOXO13 in reply to Millbanks]

Yeah, I think that’s a great idea. On my list for today! Xx

[Millbanks in reply to XOXO13]

Good plan. Happy to chat further if you like xx

[butterfliez]

Hi I’m really so sorry to hear this I have been hoping that everything would go well for you with this transfer , it’s truly heartbreaking I can’t imagine how you feel after everything you’ve been through, it’s such a difficult journey.

I can’t offer any advice with the questions regarding further tests but just wanted to offer you support & know that we are all thinking of you , take care & time to recover xx

[XOXO13 in reply to butterfliez]

Thank you so much, means a lot to me to have the support of this forum 💛💛 xx

[Sparklylife]

Oh I am so sorry you are having to go through this! My words will all seem too small - but I still wanted to send you a virtual hug! I sadly don’t have enough knowledge about what to ask next for you - but also wanted to wish you all the best with talking to your consultant, hopefully she will listen and respond to your concerns! 💛

[XOXO13 in reply to Sparklylife]

Thank you so much 💛💛 xx

[Do4y]

Positive stories on embryo transfer

[XOXO13 in reply to Do4y]

She keeps telling me that it’s a 60% chance and luck.. I clearly don’t fall into the 60%! X

[RecipIVF]

So sorry your going through this. Big hugs 💕xxx

[XOXO13 in reply to RecipIVF]

Thank you 💛

[PenguinBlue]

I’m so sorry lovely, sending you strength xxxx

[XOXO13 in reply to PenguinBlue]

Thank you 💛

[hifer]

So sorry to hear this. It’s just so cruel. Sending you big hugs

Xx

[XOXO13 in reply to hifer]

Thank you 💛

[Purpledoggy]

So so sorry to hear this. Sending you many hugs. I have not been in this situation so can't offer successful advice but I do think you should be pushing for the recurrent miscarriage investigations now you have had at least 3 unsuccessful attempts. I know there is the thrombophilia panel that will check all kinds of excessive clotting disorders and I think there are also immunology tests to be done. If your clinic won't do it then I would suggest a second opinion or change clinics. xx

[XOXO13 in reply to Purpledoggy]

Thank you 💛 I agree that I need to explore further testing. Even if it’s more for my own peace of mind xx

[Jess1981]

Oh no I'm so sorry as someone who's had 4 losses ( 2 chemical pregnancies, a late loss of Amelia at 20 weeks and 7.5 weeks a few weeks ago ) I have an idea of how devastated you must be feeling. I remember we'd been trying for 6 years when we got our first positive test- we thought that is it we've done celebrated it too quickly without considering it would go wrong 🥲 We did a year afterwards conceive our first daughter who is 22 month so I would say just because this pregnancy didn't work out is no reason to suspect the next one wouldn't - my ex fertility specialist said at the time of our first chemical pregnancy- " through the dark cloud the silver lining is you DID conceive and this is huge progress " he said we were just very unlucky to lose a pregnancy and nothing to suggest another one wouldn't work out he was right as we went onto have Francesca who is our complete world. Since having her we have had 3 losses and now referred to miscarriage clinic - but honestly recurring miscarriage are incredibly rare- 1-100 to put it into perspective. I think your next pregnancy will workout. Give yourself as much time as you need and you will come back fighting 🥰 Xx

[XOXO13 in reply to Jess1981]

So sorry for all of your losses 💔 I’ve read a few of your posts along the way and really hoping your referral will bring you some answers.

Was Francesca your second FET following your chemical or natural conception, if you don’t mind me asking? And did you do anything differently? 💛 xx

[Jess1981 in reply to XOXO13]

Thank you . Not at all offended- Francesca I had had 3 surgeries to treat my endometriosis- I fell with her 2 months after my third surgery. I used clomid to " boost" my fertility and various supplements to boost my fertility and suppress my endometriosis. I can pm what o took if that is helpful? We honestly after 7 years never believed we would ever have a baby. I still remember the pain of trying and watching everyone fall so easily was incredibly soul destroying. I took prednisone with her until 12 weeks as well as cyclogeat 400mg. I think the steroids made a difference- I'm definitely going to push for some. I have raised nk cells ( hence the steroids) We were both on our knees in the end. I was so close to wanting to give up we just never believed it would happen for us. I still can't believe how lucky we were to have Francesca 🙂Initially we said never again but Francesca is so damn cute we couldn't help but want another baby 🥰 Losing Amelia was the cruelest blow and one we are still not over or ever will be. To have another 2 losses following her death is just gross we definitely suffered enough 😟 thank goodness for Francesca she was the reason we kept going she needed her mummy and daddy to be ok. Physically, mentally and emotionally just need time away from trying. I can't risk another loss. But we are very grateful for Francesca and if we can't have another one then we have her and we will be happy to be the 3 amigos! 🙂 I need to give best shot so I can move on if I have to 😊 My best friend who had an early miscarriage fell and had her little boy ( after having 2 girls) she says you are extra fertile after a loss! I have heard many people falling after failed ivf and or a miscarriage. Miracles can definitely happen. Always try to have hope it's the only thing that keeps us going . Most women that have a loss will go on to have a healthy baby Xx

[XOXO13 in reply to Jess1981]

She sounds like a perfect blessing for you 💛

I’ve been taking vitamin D alongside folic acid. Before IVF, I was taking ubiquinol and I may start that again as I’m predicting I’ll need another egg collection.

My husband takes proxeed daily, has gone since last summer alongside his FertilitySmart supplement that contains everything he needs.

I watched a instaTV yesterday on NK cells, and that’s what I’m going to push for. Did your clinic suggest that test or did you have to push? As that’s the test I think I’m going to really need to persuade my doctor to do but I do got tick the boxes of potentially being higher risk of having elevated NK cells so I think it’s worth a look.

That’s true that you’re supposed to be more fertile within three months of a pregnancy loss, however I’ve not been so lucky (if you can call it that following loss) to fall again. We try naturally all of the time in the hope that we will conceive, and we will keep trying and hoping that we are the lucky ones eventually!

So sorry for all of your losses, it’s so heartbreaking that you’ve experienced all of that xxx

[Ranchu90]

I am really sorry to hear that. I had 3 chemicals in the past and I know how painful it is. My suggestion is to try steroids and blood thinner and it doesn't matter whether you have an autoimmune issue or not. I did lots of tests PGS, immune, chromosome, DNA fragmentation, blood clotting etc... All came back normal but my clinic still decided to add this time steroids and blood thinner. Today I am 6w5d pregnant, waiting to have my first scan this week 🤞🙉 hope everything will be fine. Look for a clinic that is very open minded, you definitely have a good chance for a rainbow baby with their help. I am sending you a big hug, stay strong 💪🤗❤️

[XOXO13 in reply to Ranchu90]

Thank you 💛

I’ve been on heparin and aspirin this time and I think that’s helped me at least get to this stage, so there’s a silver lining I guess.

There’s no way our doctor will prescribe steroids but I am pushing for immunology panel in the hope it identifies that I do need steroids to suppress my immune system to help with pregnancy.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. I hope it goes smoothly for you 🍀💛 xx

[Minnie92]

Iv been thinking about you and hoping to see good news, I’m so sorry you’ve had a chemical why is life so cruel. No words other than I’m thinking of you and sending lots of hugs and love xxxx

[XOXO13 in reply to Minnie92]

Thank you lovely 💛 xx

[Londongirl84]

Im so sorry to hear this. It’s been a shit week hasn’t it! 😢 Hope you are okay lovely. Xxxx

[XOXO13 in reply to Londongirl84]

It definitely has 💛 big hugs to you xx