First Ultrasound

My first ultrasound was scheduled for next week. Then “Tuesday” happened. It started with cramping. Then the cramping got worse – a lot worse. I reasoned that cramping is good. My uterus must be growing. Then came the blood – bright red blood. I lost it. I was a wreck. I called the NEDC, but could not leave a message because it was lunch time. I called my RE and left a voicemail with the nurse. I emailed the IVF nurse at the NEDC since I could not leave a message. I texted a sweet friend who is both an embryo adoption mom and a medical student. I emailed my donors, sharing my fears – and then my donor mom called to talk. I considered running to the closest ER, but knew that untrained eyes on a low-tech ultrasound machine might be worse than not knowing. It was a rough day, but by the end we had a plan. An ultrasound set for first thing Wednesday morning.

Wednesday, we had to leave the house by 6:30 am. Getting up early was easy as neither Robert nor I had really slept. Thankfully, Leland’s amazing teacher agreed to come to the house to watch him at 6:30 am – no questions asked! We made the two hour drive. And somehow, on the drive, God replaced my panic with a peace.

Waiting on my doctor was hard. He did not know that we had been added on to his schedule before his typical first appointment, so we arrived at 8:15 (for an 8:30 appointment) and he did not arrive till almost 9:00. First, he examined my cervix. He said it was closed and that he could only see a little old (brown) blood. He also said the hormones I am on can irritate the cervix and can cause a little bleeding. He also referenced implantation bleeding.

Finally it was time for the ultrasound. Upon first look, he declared my bladder too full. So I had to go empty before we could really get a look. When he finally could see, he said everything looked great and right on track. Measurement was almost to the day. It was however too early to get a heart rate. He also reported no signs of a hematoma or any bleeding from the uterus. I am so filled with relief and overwhelmed by God’s blessing and protection.

We go back on Monday for a better look – and hopefully a heart rate. I should also get some pictures then!