Aisling - IVF, Pre-Eclampsia, Unsuccessful Induction, Unplanned Caesarean & Planned Caesarean in Cork

We started IVF in early 2022. After multiple failed transfers and an early miscarriage in Ireland we began working with a clinic in Greece. Their work ultimately led to a successful transfer at home in October 2022. 

My first pregnancy was very smooth sailing until my 36+3 week check up where there was protein in my urine so I was admitted and ultimately diagnosed with preeclampsia. I had to stay in hospital until I was induced at 37 weeks. I got the 4 gels over 2 days (Sunday eve into Monday morn). I tried bouncing on the ball and walking loads on the stairs to progress labour. No joy!

My waters were broken at 37+1 but as labour wasn't progressing and the babies heart rate was fluctuating it was ultimately decided to go with an emergency c-section.

Everything after this is a bit of a whirlwind and I feel a lot was rushed and we were all over the place. Our son was born weighing 6lbs and was diagnosed with Microtia Atresia of the right ear at birth. This led to him having a barage of tests shortly after birth which was hard and a drop in blood sugars on day 2 led to a bit of a stay in the special care unit. The midwives here were fabulous and so supportive. Today he is a happy, healthy rogue who is a champ at wearing his hearing aid!

We decided to try for a second baby soon enough given how long it took for our 1st little guy to stick around! Low and behold the 1st transfer worked!

My second pregnancy was also very smooth. For most of the pregnancy the plan was a VBAC but coming closer to the due date we decided that while the risk of uterine rupture was absolutely minimal we just didn't want to take the risk after everything we had been through. So we opted for an elective c-section. To say the experience was night and day is an understatement!

Everything was planned. We had time to settle in. I didn't have a hospital stay prior to arrival and we had more time together as a whole in the run up to the birth. We had the added bonus of having the wonderful Katie with us in the delivery room and she took over photo duties so we could soak in the moment together. She was so helpful and made sure we got to do what we wanted after the birth. I got the chance to do skin to skin and was allowed breastfeed our little girl while still in theatre which were things I had missed out on with my first delivery. 

Our 2 little miracles are thriving and keeping us busy today and I'm sure they'll be best of friends growing up.

Aisling’s series of pregnancy tests that will be very familiar to anyone who has been through infertility!