At Care Fertility, we support many couples who are told that everything looks fine, yet pregnancy still does not happen. That uncertainty can be difficult to sit with, especially after years of trying. What follows is Alicia’s account of her journey with Scott, from growing up together in Chesterfield to starting their family with support from Care Fertility Nottingham.
Life before treatment
Scott and I are from Chesterfield, and we have known each other our whole lives. We went to the same primary school and grew up together. We were childhood sweethearts.
We tried to get pregnant naturally for over three years, but it just was not happening. After several tests, the doctors could not find anything wrong with either of us and we were diagnosed with unexplained infertility, which made the situation even harder to understand.
Eventually, we were advised by the hospital to try IVF and were given a list of clinics to choose from. After doing our research, we decided to go with Care Fertility Nottingham. The reviews were brilliant, and it felt like the right decision for us.
Starting IVF
Our treatment began in October 2022 with scans and consultations to talk through the best options for us. Going into treatment, we felt apprehensive about whether it would work, but the staff were amazing and put us at ease at every stage of the process.
I found parts of treatment emotional and sometimes difficult to manage, mainly because I do not like needles and there are a lot involved. Throughout it all, my husband supported me every step of the way.
Egg collection and embryo transfer
We had our egg retrieval on a Friday and received updates over the weekend from the team, which really helped. They managed to retrieve three eggs.
Being able to watch the embryo transfer and then receive a picture of the embryo afterwards was something I will never forget. Two weeks later, we took a pregnancy test and found out it had worked.
Pregnancy and birth
I gave birth by emergency caesarean section at 35 weeks. Frankie had to spend two weeks in intensive care to help with his breathing, but each day he grew stronger.
After two weeks and one day, we were finally able to take him home. That was the best day ever, I don’t think we will ever forget that feeling. He was perfect.
Frankie in his first days and weeks, from those early sleeps to wide-eyed moments as he settled in at home.
Life now and what comes next
We now have the most amazing little boy, Frankie, who is two years old and thriving every day. Life has changed in every way and has changed us both as people.
We are currently in the process of starting our second round of treatment using the embryos we have frozen, in the hope of giving Frankie a brother or sister.
Alicia and Scott with their newborn baby son Frankie, enjoying a quiet family moment together.
Reflections on the journey
The hardest part of our journey was the first scan, when we were not sure there was a heartbeat. Thankfully, there was. Throughout the needles and everything else, knowing there could be a baby at the end of it all, and having each other for support, helped us keep going.
To anyone starting this process, I would say to go for it. Take each step as it comes.
We cannot thank Care Fertility enough, not just for giving us Frankie, but for all the support during treatment and afterwards too. There was no one individual who stood out, because the entire team was fantastic.
