# 6 The worst part...the waiting, not knowing and even more waiting!

Let’s just get straight to the nitty gritty...

The embryologist called the morning after collection.

Day 1

10 eggs removed.

7 were mature enough.

3 embryos. 3!!!

I had what’s known as a ‘drop off’.

There were no breakages due to the insertion of the sperm, the 4 just didn’t take. I broke my heart for about 2 hours straight. It was not the news we were hoping for. After wiping the tears I realised we were at least lucky to have 3.

Day 2, 2 to 4 cell stage

We have,

@5 cell best quality

@4 cell good quality

@3 cell poor quality

Today we were given the option of having the transfer tomorrow. As we are low on options, we needed to consider putting the best quality and good quality in together or the best quality on its own. The embryologist will call the following day to let me know how they are over night and see what we will decide.

Day 3, 8 cell stage

We have,

@9 cell best quality

@6 cell poor quality (had growth spurt)

@5 cell good quality (took growth halt)

Today, we decided to let the scientists do what we have asked of them. We decided to try and see it out to the blastocyst stage. (A blastocyst is about 70-100 cells. A blastocyst has differentiated and contains two different cell types. The first is called the inner cell mass, which develops into fetal tissue. The second is called the trophoblast, and these cells lead to part of the placenta. In order to form a blastocyst, an embryo activates its own genes through a process called genomic activation. Approximately one third of embryos are capable of successfully activating their genes and growing to the blastocyst stage. This is what makes a blastocyst so special!)

Day 4,

It's a critical stage where the embryos take a huge transformation to reach the blastocyst stage. The embryologist feels it’s better to leave the embryos alone over this time.

Day 5, Blastocyst stage,

We have,

@6 cell poor quality

@10 cell good quality

@Early blastocyst best quality

Again I was given the option to have the transfer today! Instead we chose to see it out and booked the transfer for 1.30 tomorrow. The blastocyst should be ready and the good quality has its final chance to have an extra growth spurt if it can. We always wanted (as everyone must do,) a back up plan. The option of putting two in, or the option of freezing one for a future try. I went back to work today to keep my mind busy!

Day 6, Transfer Day

We have,

A blastocyst

The other two embryos sadly degenerated. Which means decision made. Our only option.

We got to the hospital in the afternoon, calm, relaxed and trying to stay positive. We sat down to be spoken to face to face about the last few days. It seemed harder than I was expecting! But we have a good looking embryo waiting for it’s new home.

I was already prepared for what was to come with the transfer procedure, the IUI I had years ago was similar. This time, unlike the egg removal, I needed a full bladder. IT WAS! Just like a smear, I was clamped open. The catheter was uncomfortable but was mesmerising to be able to watch it on the screen all thanks to my big full bladder! After confirming ’again’ who I am, the embryo was inserted and placed carefully into my womb. I will never forget the touch of my husband's hand on my head as we watched it! Procedure done!

Going to the toilet straight after felt extremely unnerving, like it was going to fall out!!! ... Apparently that's completely normal and everyone feels the same. I got changed and hometime it was, my husband, myself and bringing home inside of me, our future.

A fine line between not complete bed rest, not doing too much, and somewhere in between. And guess what... more waiting!!! Not quite a 2 week wait like most as because of the 6 day transfer. I will actually be finding out the day after my birthday!

Come on baby embryo ... give me the best birthday present ever!