& 

getting pregnant with IVF

I was a GS (Gestational Surrogate meaning I'm not using my eggs) I would get pregnant using IVF (In Vitro Fertilization - they implant a fertilized egg into your uterus). I had to take Lupron shots for 2 weeks to get my cycle on track. We did a frozen transfer on May 26, 1998 with Dr. Jane L. Fredrick. It was a painless procedure, but for the next 3 months, I had to take Progesterone shots in my hip every night. I was amazed how easy the whole procedure was. I think it was because of Dr. Fredrick that the whole thing worked. It is very important to have a Doctor that you like and trust.

THEIR FIRST ULTRASOUND: 

"O" and "V" (the IP's - Intended Parents) came out once through out the pregnancy and that was when I was 3 months pregnant. They got to see an ultrasound, and they were in tears. "V" was convinced he had a son. They had waited for 10 years for this moment. At 3 months, Dr. Fredrick released me to my regular OB/GYN. It would be considered a normal pregnancy from then on.

KEEPING IN TOUCH: 

I had a easy pregnancy. "O" and I would fax or call each other every week. I would keep her updated on all my appointments. At times it seemed odd to be pregnant and not have to worry about getting a room prepared or not needing to look at baby clothes. Towards the end, I couldn't wait for the baby to be born. I wanted to be more involved with my family again, but at the same time I was afraid for my journey to be over. I had dedicated the last year and a half to trying to get pregnant for another couple. I was afraid I would never see them again. They started off as strangers, and then became friends. Then somewhere along the road when I wasn't paying attention, they had become part of my family. The end of January, I went into early labor and had convinced the Doctor to give me medication to stop the labor so they could fly out from Russia. After 10 years of waiting, I didn't want them to miss the birth of their first child...