IVF Australia

Melimoo, you are bound to get pregnant once you start this new job! I also had a great job, with a large amount of paid maternity leave, great flexibility etc etc. I left about a year ago, and accepted a job in a different field, with much less entitlements. Soon as I got settled in, bam, along comes a BFP. So, here's hoping for you too! Must be Murphy's Law - when you have a great job with great leave packages you can't get pregnant, but as soon as you're in a job without great maternity leave entitlements then you need them!   :)   Wishing you well.
How's hubby doing? He coping okay?

Hi nosyla,

I noticed you have had 2 ectopic pregnancies at 8 weeks, why wasnt it pick-up earlier? i am nearly 8 weeks and have had a scan which showed everything was going good!! so i am wondering can there still be a chance of having a ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks..

Hi Everyone,

Nic, I've not had any ultrasounds at IVF because I live out in a rural area & it is several hours to the city. I had my 6 week and 12 week scans at a private facility, then had one at 19 weeks at a public hospital, which was free.
I'm now 20 weeks and 2 days! Woohoo, over the half way mark  :)  and feeling quite relaxed about it now. The 19 week scan was pretty amazing, we saw the 2 sides of the brain, each tiny vertebrae, the stomach & liver, as well as fingers & toes.

Nosyla, sorry your day wasn't more of a success, it is a bit disheartening when you put so much time & effort into something & it doesn't quite pan out the way you anticipate. Hope the day on the 20th is a roaring success for you. I'd come aong if I lived in/near the city.

Jude, just think of your motherinlaw's excitement when you finally do tell her the news at the 12 week mark, or whenever you decide to share. I told my parents in law once we made it to 12 weeks, then waited another week to tell my husbands sisters & brothers. They were very excited & at least it will be a quick pregnancy for them as they were kept in the dark for the first third!

Hope everyone else is well and enjoying the weekend,   xoxoxo

Nic - Great to hear things are really starting to become obvious that something is happening. I think we always wonder and have that worry as it is a difficult journey we go through. I think after the 12 week scan you relax a bit more after seeing a baby.

Melimoo - Great to hear you are starting again.

Rainbow - As a police officer I donate regularly to Police Legacy and wanted to help out a little more. Unfortuantely the day wasn't a real success which was disheartening. But I haven't given up and have a multi host party at my house on the 20th July as an excuse to get together with as many friends and friends of friends as possible. If anyone is free and wants to pop over on the day let me know. I'll be doing some baking. It's also a way to help friends get Free tupperware as they have great offers on at the moment. Means I can help as many people get things they want with the least amount of effort.

Melimoo, I am so sorry to hear your news. I feel devastated for you. I don't know how you keep on keeping on. Tears welled when I read your post. Really hope you are doing okay, and that your husband is doing okay too. Take care. Are you having two 'why me' days or diving into cycle 8 without that mini-break? Thank goodness you have frosties available & don't need to start from scratch again.

Jude, congratulations, very exciting news, look after yourself.

Nic, how are you feeling now?

Nosyla, how was your fundraiser, did you make as much as you hoped? How did you get involved with Police Legacy?

Everyone else, hope you're all well and healthy.
 

That is fantastic news Jude. Sounds like a well implanted little one on board. I am so happy for you.

Jude - Good luck today with your blood test. Hope you have wonderful news this afternoon.

Stef - hope that you don't ovulate and can complete this cycle.

Melimoo - thinking of  you and hope you are looking after yourself.

I am going well and other than getting a cold feel excited about this cycle. I have a really busy day today doing a Fundraiser for Police Legacy at St Marys Stadium. Hopefully I am able to raise lots of extra money for them to add to the $10,000 they are aiming for. If any of you are out this way or want to get out for the day come down.

Thanks ladies.Good luck Jude. I really hope you get a BFP. Lots of prayers and fingers crossed x

Mel

I am sorry that I'm only writing now. I was thinking of you all day yesterday but couldn't get to a computer in the evening to reply to your news. I am so so sorry, and I wish there was something I could say. I can't imagine how you must be feeling right now but am sending loads of hugs. I only wish it had been different for you. You are obviously really brave to have been through all of this, and I admire your inner strength. I hope that over the next few days you start to feel better and let us know what you decide. Have you got an appointment with your FS at all to discuss any of this?

I hope the rest of the week goes as well as it can for you and I hope that all of the rest of you are doing OK. I have THE BT at 8.30 tomorrow morning but my whole body feels like it's trying to have AF at the moment but the hormones aren't letting it. So am prepared for a BFN (as much as you possibly can be, because I think until you get that call there's always a glimmer of hope in the back of your mind isn't there)?

Love to all xx 

Oh Melimoo I am so very very sorry, I was sure that you would get a good result this time. Words aren't enough to comfort you at the moment. Perhaps a little time off to yourself is just what you need. I am sure that one day soon your dreams will come true. Try to keep your chin up. Take care and keep warm okay. Thinking of you, Di xx

Hi,

Yes i feel like i can be at enjoy it abit more, although, my beloved husband wants to wrap me up in cotton wool!!! i have booked a flight in early august to catch up with a group of girls in Brissy for a baby shower!! I have known a few of them since i was in Primary school, they dont know i am pregnant yet!! and my husband thinks its a bad idea!! i will be 12 weeks when i fly!! i have asked the nurses and they said its fine to travel!! I am not one of these people that can or wants to be to scared to do things while i am pregnant! I am listening to my body, if i am tired, i sleep, if i am hungrey i eat!! but i guess cause it has been a long journey, my hubby doesnt want anything bad to happen to our chubba!!! the worry doesnt seem to end!!

Nic

I hope everyone is doing well! and looking after themselves!

Best of luck today Melimoo and hope you have great news for us this afternoon.

Nic - hope things are starting to get more enjoyable for you.

Jude - How much longer do you have? Hope yours is also good news.

I have the dreaded wait again today to find out what is happening. Bleeding has stopped so fingers crossed they let us start a new full stim cycle from this month. It will be so hard having to wait another 6 weeks or so before we can start.

Hi ladies,

BETA tomorrow so say lots of prayers, positive vibes and fingers crossed. Stay tuned!

Thanks Mel and Di. I am over it already just worried about it being ectopic with all the cramping I've had and the bleeding. I would prefer the numbers to be completely down on Monday and then we can look towards the next cycle and not wonder what is happening at the moment.

I wish I could just wait for a natural but we had 2 ruptured ectopics in 2007 which is why we are going down the IVF path. I rang Mum and told her and she took the news better than I expected. It helped a lot. Cried a bit which has also helped, just over the cramping.

Hi ladies,

Nosyla - I am sorry your cycle has not been successful this time. I know there is not much I can say to comfort you but know we are all here for you. I find focusing on the next cycle helps a little.

Jude - I'm ok! Preparing myself for a BFN but trying not to think about it all too much. I'm finding with each cycle I'm getting better at waiting it out! AF is due tomorrow so it all begins. Anticipation everytime you go to the bathroom.

Hi Nic

So happy for you!! You must have been really scared. What a horrible way to start the day, but great news that you and bub are fine. Like Mel says, rest up if you can for the rest of the day.

Mel - how are you doing today? I know things must be really tough by cycle number 7. I can't imagine. Have been so fraught and obsessed and I'm only on number 1. I just hope and pray that it works for you this time. I'm finding it hard to be positive I must admit - just want Weds over now but then wonder whether having some hope is better than none. Keep thinking I'm having AF dragging pains but I guess that wouldn't happen yet. We just have one more w/e to get through. I hope you have something nice planned. Thinking of you.

Nosyla - any news?? Have been thinking of you xx

We are OK!! apparently normal!! i saw the chubba on the screen, its so tiny and it had a heart beat of 114, which is normal!! scary day!! i need a sleep now!!lol

Good luck tomorrow Nosyla. I have a good feeling for you. Fingers crossed and positive vibes to you xx

hi ladies,

It feels like we are all a little down in the dumps today. Surely we will all start to get good news soon. Not too hopeful for this cycle but trying to put the negative thoughts out of my head just incase! Going to have to seriously consider whether we should keep continuing with IVF. Seven failed cycles is all geting a bit much. When we started our IVF journey I was so positive we would be pregnant in no more than 3 cycles. 7 cyles later and still no bub.

I'm sure I will be feeling better and more positive tomorrow! God bless and positive vibes to you all!

Hi Jude,

Thanks for much for responding. No she didnt know, shes only been with her b/f for a short time and it was a total accident and she kept going on about pregnancy and i just couldnt bear it. A couple of my best friends were there so i congratulated her and then went to the bathroom and they instinctively followed knowing i would be upset and were great and very supportive. Its just so cruel how some peoples pregnancies continue and others dont.

My infertility is a complete mystery and so maybe im feeling frustrated about that as well. Im 28 and husband is 30 so hopefully it will happen for us.

I was only 'gently' stimulated first cycle so got 5 eggs, 2 blasto so one back in and one frozen. Fingers crossed my cycle will be doing what is should be next week when i have my tests. I had started to feel really good again and then i guess this just knocked the wind out of my sails.

Definitely trying to be positive and hope it all works out this cycle so will see what happens.

I hope youre doing well also and really appreciate you being so kind.

x

Hi girls,

I haven't been online since my miscarriage in my first ICSI cycle. Its been about a month but ive been reading all your stories.

Went out with friends last night and a friend of mine told us all she was pregnant and due around the same time i should have been with my pregnancy. It was one of those 'accidental' pregnancies we all get so irritated by!!

Im feeling pretty down today and so frustrated! I just needed to vent. Im currently doing my second cycle - an FET this time. I wasnt ovulating so im on HRT and have a scan/ultrasound next week.

Just needed to talk to people who understand what im feeling.

Oh Nosyla I’m so sorry hon. They do say that you can get false negatives with all the hormones so it is still possible that the stick could be wrong but I understand that you want to be realistic as well. My heart goes out to you. I don’t know anything about your history, and so I don’t know whether it happening naturally would be possible at all. Just make sure you look after yourself over the next few days. I know it must seem a bit insurmountable at the moment but who knows how you will feel in a couple of months. Talk it over with DH and remember that miracles do happen. I was looking back over some of the posts and I found Lozz – managed to conceive twins through this process after many many disappointments (hey Lozz if you’re there – hope you and the bub are doing OK).  I think I will have a similarly negative result next Weds if it’s any consolation – I am just in the horrible limbo at the moment. I have become obsessed with how sore my breasts are (or more importantly are not). I find myself sort of clutching them when no one’s looking to monitor their soreness levels which are disappointingly low. I hope no one catches me – I will look like a right nutter!

Thinking of you all and Mel I hope you’re OK.

Lots of hugs xx

We'll I thought I would update you all. I caved and did a test this afternoon and it was negative. At least I know what the answers will be when they call tomorrow after I do the blood test. I couldn't handle waiting anymore.

I had hoped that this little one would stick especially after just losing Nanna. I had hoped that someone would give our family some joy but it appears that it's not meant to be.

I am seriously also now considering stopping all further attempts to try and give Thomas a sibling. I am not sure I can go through all the emotions of doing a full stim cycle and also the financial cost. We can't put it on our credit card as we don't have a balance high enough. Hubby is at work tonight and tomorrow. I think we'll be having serious discussions about what our future holds and whether we have any more.

Sorry for being down girls.

Jude and Mel hope that you get those magic two lines and have a great numbers next week.

Well you never know. Here's hoping!!!!!

Noysla - thanks for the reassurance. I am sorry to hear your grandmother has passed away and will be thinking of you tomorrow. I am sure her spirit knows what is going on with you and perhaps another little spirit is growing inside! When is your test? Friday?

Thanks Jude. I am trying to focus on the positive but I think deep down this cycle is the same as the others but try to find hope in that there are 2 embies in there this time. Perhaps one has taken! We will see next Monday. Until then I am trying to stay busy. I am suppose to be working and studying form home today but find myself spending more time on the forum and facebook lol. You ladies are distracting me hehehe. A welcomed distraction though!

Lola - like you there are only a couple of people other than DH who know we are going through IVF. I have chosen to tell 3 friends who are very respectful. They don't really bring it up a lot until I start the conversation.  My family is very close and live in the same town so I don't want to have to put up with their disappointment as well as their own etc. I find it easier not to have to go through the emotional turmoil with them.

Hi ladies

It’s been really difficult to get to a computer (that isn’t a work computer) over the last few days. It’s annoying that you can’t reply to messages on the forum from your iPhone and in the evenings at home I’ve been shattered that it’s the most I can do to have some dinner and crawl into bed at 9 o’clock.

I’m sorry you’ve been feeling a bit low Mel - how are you at the moment?  I reckon it must be so hard to actually identify any proper pregnancy symptoms given all the other hormones floating around so I wouldn’t think your feelings are necessarily right. I am rooting for you I really am and hoping that two is going to make the difference. I had a shot of Pregnyl this morning – basically pregnancy hormone so I’m going to get pregnancy symptoms probably anyway which seems a bit cruel. Apart from being really tired (which is the Crinone anyway) and a few crampy feelings after the transfer I don’t feel any different. Before IVF I would know at least a week before AF arrived that I wasn’t pregnant – I was so in tune with my body, but now the hormones have put paid to all that.

I was in tears at the clinic yesterday morning after they couldn’t find a vein to take blood – of course it was nothing to do with the blood test, I suppose I just couldn’t take anymore at that point. So, I have an appointment to see the counsellor on Thursday.

Nosyla - I'm in the inner west of Sydney. I can't see your posts now - so can't remember when your BT is. Am thinking of you anyway and yes not a bad idea to have a coffee morning.

Take care all xxxx

Jude - sorry to hear about no frosties. Can imagine you are disappointed but hopefully you won't need them. Where in Sydney are you?

Mel - can't wait til day 21 starts for you. Yeah the pregynl dose I was taking was 5000 units and it was a tiny needle with heaps of fluid. Glad I am not needing them anymore. It wasn't to bad and I was able to do it myself

Maybe we should all organise a day/morning tea or something out to get us out of the house.

Hi Jude

Sorry that you have none to freeze. But try to think positive that you won't need any as your embie is getting nice and snug in there okay. I know sometimes it is hard to keep positive but keep your chin up okay. Thinking of you, take care and keep warm. Di xx

Nosyla - I was wondering what Pregnyl is, as they are going to get me to inject it on my next cycle. Lucky me will be injecting 4 different needles this coming cycle.... lol for one that hates needles it is going to be interesting. I recall on a very early post one of the ladies used Emla cream so I might have to look into that I think. When is your BT?

Melimoo - Lol yeah it is so funny getting so excited about AF arriving, lol I cried I was that happy hehe... Will ring the nurses tomorrow to book in for day 21... How are you travelling?

Jude - How are you? Yeah I know what you mean about the anxiety of finally getting pregnant... You like me had miscarriages and for some reason for 2 years we couldnt' get pregnant... The excitement of getting pregnant and the worry day by day if you will loose it, people say try not to think about it, hhhmmm now that is a bit hard to do hey...

Anyways ladies hope you are all keeping busy, warm and safe. Take care Di xx

 Hello ladies

Mel - it does feel reassuring to think that there's someone around the same time frame as me. I have EVERYTHING crossed for you. I can't believe what some of you have been through and your words are wise and positive. At the beginning of this process I almost found it easier to deal with than floundering around on our own every month, but I don't think I fully appreciated the emotional energy and how much of my mental space it would consume. Maybe it's just not possible to keep up this level of anxiety and fretting so I may be better next time. You've been so strong, but you're absolutely right though it's all down to the right embie - may this one be the one!

Nosyla as well  - like you say I hope there will be a lovely little positive threesome of BFPs! And then more to come. Keep us posted - what is Pregnyl by the way? 

Di - Thanks so much for your kind words and I'm glad your wait is over. I reckon physicists could study how time seems to slow down for women waiting for stages relating to IVF. You're the same age as me and I've also had a history of miscarriage - managed to get pregnant naturally quite easily initially but lost one at 6 weeks, was so anxious that paid for a private scan for the second at 7 weeks and there was nothing there and had to have a D&C. They thought it might have been some weird cornal ectopic at first but then they just couldn't decide what it was, and then I had 2 years of nothing. So, if I do get a positive result I'll then be hurtling into the next phase of anxiety!! Good for you having 2 transfered. I may try going down that path myself. It must feel such a relief that you can start trying again and I hope this is the one (or two!!!) for you. 

Btw does anyone else feel really sleepy on the progesterone pessaries? It's definitely not pregnancy related but I just feel wiped out. Normally I sleep really badly so at least it's helping that! 

xxxxx

Hi Girls

Sorry I've been away since my first post. I have been feeling very under the weather since my transfer. I can't remember what I last posted but we had to thaw both embies so have no spares, but have been having constant thoughts that this will be twins. Very bizaree as we only had 1 embie transferred.

I have a blood test next week and can't test earlier which is driving me a little nuts as been on pregnyl and don't want to get my hopes up with anything, which is why I keep dismissing the nausea, cramps, headaches, etc.

We'll I know for sure before next weekend what has happened.

Di - great news about getting AF and being about to start your next cycle. Thinking positive thoughts.

I apologise to the other girls I can't scroll back but a few of us all have BT's around the same times so hopefully we'lll have a trifecta of BFP's.

Hi Melimoo and Diana

I hadn't noticed posts in this thread and was busy on the other one thinking it had been really quiet! When did you have your transfer Mel? Mine was today and BT is on 7th so only a couple of days after yours. I have everything crossed for both of us. Do let me know how you're doing. Interesting to read about having 2 transferred - have you had to fight for that a bit? When we filled in our forms the FS just automatically wrote 1 and then just said "twins are a risky pregnancy". I felt like we should be able to make the decision if we are informed enough and thought that I might push the matter particularly when I thought I wouldn't be able to get pregnant naturally. Now there is some hope of that happening so we left it at one for this cycle, but I'm maybe keen to pursue 2 next go round. Particularly at my age I think I'd like to take the risk as this might the only opportunity to have more than one child. Anyway, at this stage I would just be over the moon with one!

You have been through a lot Mel so I hope that this time, as Di says that it's lucky number 7.

As my post in the other thread says I'm now anxious about pretty much doing anything - breathing too hard for example! I went for acupuncture straight afterwards and that seemed to help calm me down a bit.

Hope you all have lovely weekends

xxxxxx

hi ladies,

A quick update! Got a call from the scientist yesterday and they had to thaw all 3 embies as 1 didn't make the thawing process. When we got to the clinic this morning, 1 embies looking good but the other is still contracted. They still put two in and apparently there have been many successful pregnancies from a contracted embie. Hoping at least one sticks. Bit disappointing I have no embies left if this cycle is unsuccessful .I really struggled in the last stimulated cycle particularly after the last ER. Anyway enough dwelling on the negative. Positive vibes for me until the 5th July. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Hope you are all well. Have a great weekend xxxx

Hi Nic

Glad to hear that you rang your Clinic to put your mind at ease. Please try not to think that you will have a miscarriage, think positive okay..

I have had 5 miscarriages but they cannot give me a reason as to why, they more or less say "it is natures way that there must have been something wrong". lol sometimes I get frustrated as I would like an answer. I am not aware that there is a greater risk of miscarriage through IVF, and all my miscarriages have been when we have conceived naturally... Can't even get an embryo to implant with IVF at this stage which is frustrating.

So once again try to think positive thoughts okay, I am sure everything is okay. Take care and keep you and the little one warm. Di xx

Melimoo -  You have your transfer tomorrow don't you, anyways good luck and I will be sending heaps of positive vibes your way for lucky number 7 xx

AFM - Waiting, waiting, waiting to get AF to start cycle. I am starting to get anxious that they will never arrive (lol when I want them they don't come and when I don't they do..) Roughly worked out that should of got them on Monday but I am thinking because my body has been through so much in the last couple of months it may be out of whack??... Here's hoping nothing is wrong, gosh I just want to get started on cycle number 5. I think if I haven't had them by next week will have to ring the Clinic, although they will probably say just keep on waiting... ggrrr

Hi Nic,

around the six week mark I also had a little bit of pink/red. Was only a smear & more so when wiping after going to the toilet rather than mess on my underwear. (again, bit too much info, but hopefully this will help put your mind at ease till morning when you can call your nurse)
The nurse said this could just be hormones & to take it easy for the next week. She also said some people have bleeding gums or noses when hormones peak & surge etc.
Haven't had any bleeding since then.....except for my nose which has bled a few times.

Take care, try not to worry too much okay    xo

hi Nic,

I agree with Lozz. Give the clinic a call for peace of mind but slight bleeding can be quite normal in the first couple of months. Your levels are increasing so that is fantastic - Congratulations!

Hi Ladies,

I had my BT today to see how my levels were and the the nurse called me later this afternoon, to let me know they are great! but i just went to loo and i had a pinky discharge after wiping (TMI) i am 5 weeks along! what does this mean, i am freaking out abit!!

any advice would be good!

I am scared

Di - Thanks for the welcome. Transfer has been completed. Now just to sit and wait.

Unfortunately the first one thawed didn't survive overnight,  but we had a spare which was thawed this morning. As such if this doesn't work we have to do a fresh cycle as we don't have any more frosties.

I am only new hear and been a little to busy to post.

I am have a transfer tomorrow, my first FET cycle. I am scared, nervous and excited. I was relieved to hear that the thaw went really well and things we're looking good.

I had my second Pregnyl shot tonight and need another one Thursday before having the blood test early July. How long after the transfer would a home test be accurate? I have a few at home which I may consider using but know that the Pregnyl is giving my symptoms already and about 4 days after I took it which seems odd.

I plan to keep myself very busy in the next few weeks with my part time job, Tupperware and my very active 18 month old as well as finishing unpacking and organising my house.

Not sure what I really wanted to say, but other than my DH and Mum know one else actually knows tomorrow is the day and most don't even release we are in the middle of a cycle.

Melimoo, we will all start praying this is lucky cycle 7 for you & that you get a bFP this time round. You deserve it. Best wishes.

Nic, the best news, congratulations!!!! Can't wait to hear of next test or scan. yay!

HI LADIES I GOT MY BFP!!! I CANT BELIEVE IT!!!

Any news yet Nic? XXXcrossing fingersXXX

Rainbow & Hali, it must be exciting to be starting to show, and feeling thats it's ok to start looking to purchase things for baby! I have told pretty much everyone now, that is friends, family & work.

I had NT scan today, and results are 1 in 3000 for each baby, so really happy. Went & saw nurses at IVF clinic to show the pics and my growing bump, which was nice too.

Goodluck everyone, watching & waiting fro everyone to graduate!!

xo Lozz

Rainbow

I will be 16 weeks this friday! Every week is a milestone for me. i had no choice but to tell people because my mother in law told everyone after our first ultrsound which was at 7 weeks i think. She practically threw a party for us and invited all our family!

i am just starting to show also. i tried on my first pair of maternity jeans today which weren't as bad as i imagined. i too have started to look online at cots but i think its a little too early yet although i do like to be organised. Im very lucky to not have all the vomiting but  the nose bleeds have almost stopped. i would definately love to know what you do end up having.

Lozz

Congrats Lozz. i never thought id make it to the 12 weeks, its so exciting....take it easy

NIC

I so hope you get a BFP!  i  dont think pessaries have any hcg in them but the other medications may so they can sometimes give a false result....but i think its a BFP. I did a home test 2 days before my blood test and it was positive so i wish you all the best.

Hi Ladies,

I had a great weekend at the blue mountains, it was cold but enjoyable!!! it took my mind of things!!!not the whole time, but it was good anyhow!! i am ok at the moment, i am scared that the next time i go to the toliet my AF will be there!!!my BT is on friday!! I have hope but i know deep down that this is out of my control and that i have to take one day at a time!! i have work to keep me busy, which is good.....

Hi Girls,

I am truely sorry to hear of those who had negative cycles recently.

Meli, Everything crossed for #7. Your positive outlook is admired! All the best, I will be checking in to see soon.

Mika, Looking forward to when you come back on line with your NK results!

Rainbow & Hali, Great to hear all is going so well for you both. I have been lucky to escape the nosebleeds, but instead am still vomitting in the morning - funnily if I don't eat early enough. So no sleeping in on weekends for me. I have also started to get increasingly tired, dizzy, faint & clumsy. Had a fall down the stairs but the babies are all perfect still - thank god!

So I am 12 weeks this Friday and am already showing a lot, so finding hard to keep the secret any longer!

All the best for everyone & goodluck!!

Wow... thanks RAINBOW......now i know why my nose bleeds every morning! For some reason i think im having a boy, but like you said....not that i would know what it feels like. My husband doesn't want to find out, he wants it to be a surprise, but im so curious. Either way we are so happy and couldnt ask for anything more.

Good luck everyone.

Hi Nic,

no spotting in the early stages, though a tiny amount at about 6 weeks, only really when I went to the bathroom & wiped, rather than being visible on my underwear. Thank God this is anonymous, it's all so personal! Anyway, I rang the nurses & they said not to stress too much since it was only a minimal smear. Apparently sometimes when your hormones increase dramatically you can get a bit of excess blood, and often this will be a bleeding nose (which I would occasionally get just before a period) or bleeding from the gums when you brush your teeth.

No, the visibly increased breast veins post wasn't mine, though I do recall someone posting that on the forum. My breasts have increased in size, but this didn't really start until about 6 weeks I think.

Melimoo, no, not going to find out the sex, will leave that to be a surprise at the end. Both my husband & I have a feeling that we are having a girl, but we are keeping that to ourselves & not mentioning it to anyone. Seriously, as this is our first time I wouldn't know what a girl felt like, or a boy for that matter, but I figure we have a 50% chance of being correct, lol.
What about you, when your time comes, and your time IS just around the corner, do you think you will find out the baby's gender or leave it as a surprise?