We couldn't have been more excited to get the call from our fertility clinic on Monday (June 1st) afternoon. They are on the West coast so we had to wait all day to get the results of our beta test. OK, a little background for those of you who may be wondering what a "beta" test is? The beta test measures the amount of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) or "pregnancy hormone" that is being made by the developing placenta. A beta test that indicates a number higher than 0 indicates pregnancy but our doctor looks for a beta of at least 100 following the beta test which is done 10 days after the embryo transfer. During our first pregnancy (which unfortunately ended in miscarriage), our initial beta was 103. This time our initial beta (taken on May 31st) was 305! Because of what happened during our last pregnancy, we asked that a follow-up beta be completed 2 days later (beta numbers should double every 48 - 72 hours). Kira went in for the 2nd beta test yesterday (June 2nd....my birthday!!!!) and our beta was 985!!!!! Our beta more than tripled in less than 48-hours! So what does that mean??? Well, our doctor and MANY others think it means our surrogate is carrying twins (multiple pregnancies usually, not always, have higher beta levels). We won't know for sure for a few weeks but in the end all that really matters is that we have a healthy baby (or babies!).
So, it's been a good week on the pregnancy front! We are thrilled that things are moving in the right direction but are also keenly aware that things can go from good to not-so-good quickly during pregnancy. The first trimester can be especially challenging so we are thinking only good thoughts, saying lots of prayers and believing that things will go well but also being conscious of the fact that we're still early in the pregnancy.
Key Upcoming Dates:
- June 15th - 6-week ultrasound (we get to hear/see the heartbeat or heartbeats!)
- June 29th - 8-week ultrasound
- July 13th - 10-week ultrasound
- July 27th - END OF THE 1ST TRIMESTER
- February 8, 2010 - DUE DATE!!!!!!
We have a long road ahead and are looking forward to enjoying every minute of it! We have each other, a GREAT surrogate in Kira, a wonderfully supportive network of family and friends and the universe on our side so we know good things are heading our way. In the meantime, we'll keep you up-to-date and we ask that you please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
We are CAUTIOUSLY ECSTATIC and looking forward to the next few months of this journey!
1 comment:
It's now the 17th...how was the ultrasound?!?!?!?
Thinking of you often and praying that all is going well.
Love you,
Wendy
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