In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child.
During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVF takes about three weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into different parts and the process can take longer.
IVF is the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology. The procedure can be done using your own eggs and your partner's sperm. Or IVF may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or anonymous donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier — a woman who has an embryo implanted in her uterus — might be used.
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"Hey, you're finally awake sleeping beauty. How are you feeling?"
"Pain? 5/10. My head hurts."
"Do you remember anything?"
"What happened?"
I heard her drawing a deep breath before sitting on my bed and raising the head part.
"When was your last menstrual period?"
"I guess it's three months ago? I'm irregular so I only have periods 5-8 times each year."
"Your HCG level is 186,000 miu/ml. Do you want any confirmatory test? Were you really unaware that you are pregnant?"
I'm pregnant. There is not doubt about it. I should have known but the symptoms were all masked by my pre-existing medical condition.
Hindi na ako nagtaka. I haven't taken my pills since coming back from Kristiansund. Ikakasal na rin kami ni Terrence kaya itinigil ko na rin ang pag-inom ng pills para bigyang daan ang pagbubuntis ko, kung papalarin mang may mabuo kami. But I never really expected things to turn out this way and I would get pregnant at this very difficult time. I know my own body and I haven't experienced pregnancy-specific symptoms all this time. I've always had migraines and blackouts due to anemia. I have a long standing history of severe anemia which required transfusion of packed red blood cells if not intravenous iron. There wasn't really any giveaway symptoms that would scream PREGNANT.
Hinaplos ko ang puson ko at tumingin kay Michelle.
"He's a fighter. He held on tightly. He's still there. Good thing Jake called me immediately. Your cervix is closed tight and your baby is alive and kicking but you are a heavy bleeder." Nginitian pa niya ako at hinawakan ang kamay ko na nasa ibabaw ng puson ko.
A tear fell from my eye which she wiped using her thumb.
"An, I don't know all the details but I know your are under a lot of stress lately. Don't let it get to you. Your baby is holding on and you should be strong for him."
"I really didn't know I was pregnant so I kept on with the same routine. And why "him"? You really think it's a boy?"
Tumawa lang siya at hinawakan rin ang puson ko. "I hope it's a boy! So you better take care of him because right now, I am already volunteering to be the godmother. I won't accept any rejection."
"I don't want you to be the godmother. Be the Aunt. Marry my kuya. You guys look good together!" I joked. Pabiro niya akong sinamaan ng tingin sabay taas ng kilay. She flipped her hair and pointed at herself.
"Excuse me? I'm too gorgeous for a mere mortal. I'm a goddess, my dear." Napatawa na lang ako sa sinabi niya.
" You know An, I'm not just your doctor. I can be a friend if you need one. Ever since I came here, I have never seen you with anyone. You need to go out more and have a breather."
BINABASA MO ANG
The Wicked Doctor
Ficción General"Love is just caused by mere chemicals secreted by the glands of the brain. It's a mere concoction giving us the illusion of happiness and contentment. The heart is just a muscle that pumps blood. It doesn't have anything to do with your emotions. Y...
