Ria & John's story

We had been trying for a baby for roughly two years and we had suffered an early miscarriage along the way. After endless months of tracking ovulation and changing our diet and lifestyle we were met with negative pregnancy tests after each natural attempt. We had all the tests you could possibly ask for, from hormone panels to semen analysis, internal examinations and so on. There was no reason why we couldn't fall pregnant. We had unexplained infertility. One of the most frustrating sentences that provided no guidance but also felt quite final. We were determined not to give up and so decided to look into IVF at the beginning of 2021. After a bit of research of the local clinics and what they offered we found Cambridge IVF was the most suitable for us.

Cambridge IVF were very thorough from the very beginning. IVF is a complicated and scary world to end up in and without previous experience and knowledge it can be very overwhelming. However the team from day one offered endless support and information. They provided full IVF assessments, information sessions, consultations and a full panel of testing. No question went unanswered and this immediately put our minds to rest. We knew we had made the right choice.

Once we had our final appointment with the fertility midwife we were good to go. She ran through everything from contact information, drug protocol, what to expect, future appointments and so much more. They ordered the medication for us and it was delivered to our door with really clear instructions on storage and administration. Now it was time to sit tight and wait for my first cycle day. Then it was time to start the stimulation process with my very first injection. As someone who isn't a huge fan of needles it was a massive challenge to overcome. I felt strongly about doing it myself and pushing through the fear. And so we were off on the first leg of our treatment. We would attend 3-4 appointments a week to check progress on how my ovaries are doing and how I am responding to the medication. I was always monitored very closely and felt extremely well looked after through this early process. After watching the little eggs grow and develop into a good juicy size it was time to decide on the egg collection date.

Once we had "pulled the trigger" so to speak with the final injection to help mature the eggs before egg collection, the count down was on. I was nervous. I had never before had a surgery where I would be put under anesthesia. It was another episode in our journey. I had just learned the knack of doing my injections and now it's time to move onto the next step! The support at the clinic that day was wonderful. They were running slightly behind, but they sat me in this lovely comfortable quiet room while I waited my turn. All the information was clear and they gave me plenty of opportunity to ask questions along the way. Every member of the team, from the porter who walked me into the surgery suite, to the entire nursing team in there waiting for me, the doctors and the anaesthetist, they all made me feel so welcome and so supported. It felt as if this clinic was here just for me on that day. The following days from egg collection went really smoothly, with a few side effects of the egg collection but nothing that concerned me. I was really driven to look after myself and prepare my body to continue with a fresh cycle ready for the embryo transfer. It was another waiting game to see how my beautiful little eggs will do and see how many will fertilise and turn into growing embryos.

12 eggs were collected; 3 unfertilised, 1 abnormal and 8 matured and fertilised. We were over the moon with the results. The day came for the embryo transfer. As we were just coming out of another lockdown due to Covid-19, the measurements and precautions meant that every appointment I went to I had to go alone. However, for the embryo transfer, John was allowed to come with me and it was one of the most magical experiences. We could see this tiny little blob on the screen as it was implanted. With John holding my hand we had this huge sense of hope as we said hello to our little embyro.

The following days, the focus was about trying to lead a normal life and not spend every second of the day thinking about whether it had worked or not. We received updates from the embryology department regarding our remaining embryos. We have 5 beautiful strong embryos ready to go to the freezer which is exciting! Cambridge IVF also provide an incredible video time-lapse of the embryos as they divide and develop. It is truly amazing.

Then came test day. The emotions were high! It was roughly 3am in the morning and neither of us were sleeping and I was desperate for a wee. I turned to John and told him I am going to do the test. I can still to this day remember the nerves I felt. I just had this wonderful feeling throughout the process and I couldn't help get my hopes up. I just knew deep down that everything was going so well it had to of worked, surely? Then all our dreams came true. Those two gorgeous strong lines on the test telling us it had worked and we were pregnant. I have never seen my husband jump so high! It was an incredible feeling. I felt this huge sense of pride when I called the clinic. They were so happy and thrilled for me, then booked us in for an early scan too.

At 7 weeks pregnant we were invited in for a viability scan. More nerves and more excitement ran through us that day and, once again, John was allowed to come with me. It was another extremely special day for us. It truly book ended our experience with Cambridge IVF and showed the endless support we received from start to finish. It was a memorable day. We reflected on all the appointments, consultations, phone calls, conversations, tears, questions and procedures we had all been through together as a team.

Cambridge IVF gave us a chance at being parents and held our hands through the entire process. We were never alone or left feeling unsure or unsteady. We have so much gratitude to the team at Cambridge IVF. We send them a Christmas card every year with a photo of our little girl on it too.

Story shared March 2024.