Dads: A gay couple's surrogacy journey in India by Hans M. Hirschi Page A
Authors: Hans M. Hirschi
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that they are placed in a way that ensures a smooth and healthy pregnancy. If they are placed too close to the cervix (the lower end where the baby eventually will travel through at birth), there might be a risk for premature termination.
But the main reason to conduct an early ultrasound after IVF is to determine how many of the three embryos have taken hold. You've probably heard of “ Octomom ,” where some quack in the US implanted twelve (!) embryos into a woman, who subsequently gave birth to octuplets. The other day, I saw a TV show episode about a family in Arizona with sextuplets, again, after IVF. There are not enough laws governing IVF treatments in the US so irresponsible doctors will implant as many embryos as you want, turning these women into rats or dogs instead. Luckily, her doctor has since lost his medical license!
Aside from the physical risk to the mother, aside from having to look after so many children (having seen one episode is enough to understand the impossibility of it), there is the aspect of the children's health. When Suleman's babies were born through a Caesarean, they weighed approximately a kilo (2 lbs) each, which is about a third (!) of what should be expected. They all required hospitalization in the premature ward for over two months.
In our case, and this is still standard practice, although some clinics are moving to implanting a single embryo, three embryos were implanted four days after conception. From all the countries I've heard about, the implantation normally takes place between days three and six.
Since we can assume from our beta hCG levels that we have more than one embryo, the ultrasound will determine what is really going on. Worst case, we have either none (terminated after the beta hCG test) or we have three babies growing. In the last case, one of the embryos, determined by the doctors, will be removed. According to Indian law governing IVF, triplet pregnancies are not allowed as a measure to protect the mother. While there is, of course, a sting of pain associated with that, I totally agree as we wouldn't want to jeopardize the health and well-being of our dear surrogate angel in any way… Not to mention the successful outcome of our pregnancy.
The ultrasound could also reveal a single or twin pregnancy, in which case all would be well and as planned. We should get the results by Saturday and I really can't wait.
As we enter into the eighth week of our pregnancy, not only can we start to see the end of the first shaky trimester, but I am slowly trying to come to terms with being patient. I think it would be easier if I was working, instead of lying around at home all day, but my back and shoulder pains keep me horizontal most of the day. I've got an MRI scheduled for next week and hope it won't be serious. In the meantime, Alex and I try and prepare for becoming parents by continuing to open our senses to articles about child rearing, kids in traffic, schools, diapers, and all those other things we had previously just ignored.
It's like discovering a whole new world out there, and it is so exciting, not to mention slightly easing our wait. I have a hunch that we'll be quite stressed out in preparations before our departure to India in April.
Btw, if any of you out there have any tips for the best twin stroller or the best hybrid family car (we are caring about the environment) that can hold a twin stroller, please let us know. I mean we don't know yet if we'll actually have twins, but it kinda seems that way, and our little “Topolino” (Fiat 500) won't be able to hold a stroller unless you strap it to the roof… LOL
Anyway, time for me to go back to bed and lie down. My back is acting up again…
I'll keep you posted about the results on Saturday. I hope all will be well!
September 4, 2012: Worrying…
I haven't been writing for a long time because I have been waiting (and sadly I still am) for the detailed results of our first ultrasound.
We
But the main reason to conduct an early ultrasound after IVF is to determine how many of the three embryos have taken hold. You've probably heard of “ Octomom ,” where some quack in the US implanted twelve (!) embryos into a woman, who subsequently gave birth to octuplets. The other day, I saw a TV show episode about a family in Arizona with sextuplets, again, after IVF. There are not enough laws governing IVF treatments in the US so irresponsible doctors will implant as many embryos as you want, turning these women into rats or dogs instead. Luckily, her doctor has since lost his medical license!
Aside from the physical risk to the mother, aside from having to look after so many children (having seen one episode is enough to understand the impossibility of it), there is the aspect of the children's health. When Suleman's babies were born through a Caesarean, they weighed approximately a kilo (2 lbs) each, which is about a third (!) of what should be expected. They all required hospitalization in the premature ward for over two months.
In our case, and this is still standard practice, although some clinics are moving to implanting a single embryo, three embryos were implanted four days after conception. From all the countries I've heard about, the implantation normally takes place between days three and six.
Since we can assume from our beta hCG levels that we have more than one embryo, the ultrasound will determine what is really going on. Worst case, we have either none (terminated after the beta hCG test) or we have three babies growing. In the last case, one of the embryos, determined by the doctors, will be removed. According to Indian law governing IVF, triplet pregnancies are not allowed as a measure to protect the mother. While there is, of course, a sting of pain associated with that, I totally agree as we wouldn't want to jeopardize the health and well-being of our dear surrogate angel in any way… Not to mention the successful outcome of our pregnancy.
The ultrasound could also reveal a single or twin pregnancy, in which case all would be well and as planned. We should get the results by Saturday and I really can't wait.
As we enter into the eighth week of our pregnancy, not only can we start to see the end of the first shaky trimester, but I am slowly trying to come to terms with being patient. I think it would be easier if I was working, instead of lying around at home all day, but my back and shoulder pains keep me horizontal most of the day. I've got an MRI scheduled for next week and hope it won't be serious. In the meantime, Alex and I try and prepare for becoming parents by continuing to open our senses to articles about child rearing, kids in traffic, schools, diapers, and all those other things we had previously just ignored.
It's like discovering a whole new world out there, and it is so exciting, not to mention slightly easing our wait. I have a hunch that we'll be quite stressed out in preparations before our departure to India in April.
Btw, if any of you out there have any tips for the best twin stroller or the best hybrid family car (we are caring about the environment) that can hold a twin stroller, please let us know. I mean we don't know yet if we'll actually have twins, but it kinda seems that way, and our little “Topolino” (Fiat 500) won't be able to hold a stroller unless you strap it to the roof… LOL
Anyway, time for me to go back to bed and lie down. My back is acting up again…
I'll keep you posted about the results on Saturday. I hope all will be well!
September 4, 2012: Worrying…
I haven't been writing for a long time because I have been waiting (and sadly I still am) for the detailed results of our first ultrasound.
We
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