Uterine lining check through cycles

After we passed the medical screening and psychological testing (plus the home study) in February, our clinic had "S" gone through several cycles to check her uterine lining. Our RE (reproductive endocrinologist....here is the link to most surrogacy acronyms) decided first to do mid-cycle lining check on "S" in lieu of mock cycle. Some fertility clinics have them in the protocol. Basically, these lining checks are performed to ensure adequate lining of the uterus where the embryos implant because it is one of the most critical components for IVF.

Mid-cycle check didn't go as expected so the RE ordered a mock cycle with more hormones. Mock cycle is an artificial cycle of hormonal stimulation effect on the lining of the uterus. It is usually performed immediately preceding the one during which embryo transfer is planned. 

These cycles and the final transfer cycle took some time and involved lots of shots, blood tests and ultrasound appointments. "S" started her shot daily in early May until this past Friday (10-week pregnancy). When we first saw all the meds she received, our jaws just dropped. We can't imagine how it was like and what they had gone through. "S" and her husband who helped give her the shot, deserve all the credits. We can't thank them enough.