TRANSFER RESULTS

Each day my recipients did an early home pregnancy test and each day they wrote to us to say the result was negative. We appreciated them involving us in their pregnancy attempt but we did not expect it. The embryos were no longer ours. The recipients had a contractual obligation to notify us if they gave birth, but they were under no obligation to tell us anything else before the baby came.

As each day passed with no indication of pregnancy it seemed likely that the recipients were not pregnant. Still, there was a reason the doctor schedules the test for two weeks after the transfer: that's when enough hormones should be present to truly indicate if a pregnancy had occurred. Until that date it was entirely possible that the negative results simply indicated it was too early to tell.

The day before their final pregnancy test was scheduled at the doctor's office we did not get the daily update from our recipients. It seemed clear to us from this that the last home pregnancy test had been negative.

Several days passed with no word. Had they rescheduled their doctor's visit? We gave the recipients their space and privacy. This was their family and their business, not ours. Several days after their last email, we received this message, sent to a dozen members of their immediate families:

"We had our blood test completed today and received a call back confirming
that we are not pregnant but wanted to send a thank you to all those who were so supportive and thoughtful during this whole process. It would be much harder without the great support system we have. We are truly lucky to have such great family and friends.

We are still not down for the count! We will be trying again hopefully late Spring early Summer! So until then we are counting our blessings and saving our quarters for next time."

We were disappointed for Jenny and Erin. They had been waiting so long to become moms. We had hoped to help them and we still might, but not yet.

THE RESULTS

A few days after Jenny and Erin's fertility doctor transferred one of my spare frozen embryos into Erin's womb they tried an early home pregnancy test. It was too early for a valid test but they thought they'd give it a try. It was possible they they might have a hint if the embryo had attached.

As expected, the test was negative. That was to be expected. Jenny and Erin thoughtfully let us know that they had tested. It is hard to wait the two weeks to find out if the IVF procedure was successful. Doctors ask their patients to wait the full two weeks before testing at the doctor's office to avoid false negatives which can be disappointing.

There was still a week and a half to go before the final test by the doctor. Jenny and Erin decided not to stress out. Another test might have a better result. There was always tomorrow.