Challenges on the journey of "finding a child"
Ms. Phung Thi Lien (1990) and Mr. Nguyen Hoang Trung (1984) from Son Tay, Hanoi, got married in 2011 when they were young, full of hope and dreams of a perfect home. In the early days of their marriage, Ms. Lien did not focus on having children, because she believed that happiness would come at the right time.
However, time passed, year after year, and the desire to hear the voice of a child in the small house still did not come true.
From the initial expectations, they gradually realized that the path to finding a child was not easy, so step by step, the couple began their journey. Traditional medicine addresses and good doctors all became their stopping points.
Eastern medicine treatment was ineffective, so in 2017, the couple decided to seek Western medicine in the hope of soon realizing their dream of becoming parents. The examination results showed that Mr. Trung had a weak sperm condition, and the doctor advised the couple to consider In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
However, despite choosing the most modern and advanced path, it seems that luck has not yet knocked on the door. After two unsuccessful embryo transfers, all dreams have come to naught, leaving the couple with an indescribable sadness.
"For 9 years, I tried both Eastern and Western medicine, from hope to disappointment, spent a lot of time and money but it seemed like the destination was still nowhere to be seen. There were times when I was stressed and worried, causing me to lose weight, and both my husband and I were exhausted by the gossip around us" - Ms. Lien confided.
Nurturing the seeds of spring hope
After many long months, they paused for a while, focused on working and saving with the hope of continuing their unfinished journey. In 2023, through friends' introduction, they learned about Hanoi Andrology and Infertility Hospital.
On the first day of arriving at the hospital, Lien and her husband were filled with hope and anxiety. During the examination, the ultrasound doctor said something gentle but warm: "Lien, try your best. Since you have come to the hospital, I wish you will soon welcome your child." Just a few simple words, but they were engraved in her mind, becoming a source of encouragement, giving her more strength to be more confident.
The process of stimulating and aspirating her eggs went smoothly. On the day of the embryo announcement, the most memorable moment was when the doctor announced that they had 5 embryos on day 5. Right at the hospital, Lien and her husband could not hold back their tears of happiness - tears of faith and hope shining before their eyes.
In May 2023, Ms. Lien transferred the embryo for the first time at the hospital. Her heart was filled with emotions, both excitement and prayers for everything to go smoothly. But despite their efforts, luck still did not smile on them. However, that failure did not discourage her. She decided to rest, spend about half a year taking care of herself and preparing better before boldly continuing on her journey to find a child.
On December 14, 2023, Ms. Lien continued to transfer embryos for the second time, this time she was transferred by Dr. Pham Thi My. The days of waiting after the embryo transfer were a time full of excitement, anxiety and anticipation for her.
When the pregnancy test showed two lines, Ms. Lien was surprised and could not believe her eyes. Those doubts were only truly cleared up on the 14th day after the embryo transfer, when she went to the Hanoi Andrology and Infertility Hospital to have a beta HCG test, and the official result confirmed: she was pregnant!
Happiness was doubled when the doctor announced during the first ultrasound that she was carrying two little angels. Tears rolled down her cheeks, not only tears of happiness but also a worthy reward for the arduous journey that the couple had gone through over the past 12 years.
Then, every two weeks, Lien and her husband go hand in hand to the hospital for check-ups, together going through each memorable milestone on their journey to parenthood.
On August 12, 2024, the most special moment finally arrived. Ms. Lien entered the delivery room with the company of eight loved ones in the family, all waiting anxiously. When the first cries of the two babies Nguyen Ngoc Minh Anh and Nguyen Ngoc Minh Anh were heard, it brought with it an overwhelming happiness, making the whole family burst into emotions.
"It was the best day of our lives. This Tet, our family is so warm" - Mr. Trung shared about the sweet ending to a long 12-year journey overcoming many difficulties and challenges. The laughter of the two "angels" filled the small home.
