Vern Enciso Shares IVF Journey: “We’re Finally Pregnant!’

Vern Enciso and Ben Lim are expecting their first child together!

The content creator shared the emotional and inspiring journey of her pregnancy through her recent vlog, wherein she also recounted the steps they took and the hopes they held onto throughout the process.

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A post shared by Vern Enciso-Lim (@vernenciso)

A long-awaited dream

“After two years of trying for a baby, two surgeries, countless tests, and four lucky embryos frozen, we finally flew to Bangkok to try IVF,” Vern began on her vlog. She then addressed their baby, saying, “To our baby, we have wanted you for so so long. We prayed for you, blew out birthday candles for you, and wished on every 11.11, falling star, and every new Church we would go to.

“Every time I felt sad, I always just imagined that you were a little cherub up in the heavens, still busy playing with friends, and that it wasn’t time for you to join our family just yet.”

Vern remained steadfast in her faith and belief that their own baby would come: “I always pray that when you were ready, you would easily find our house already filled with so much love, and with seven baby pet siblings so excited to meet you.

“Finally, the day has come for us to fetch you.”

Vern’s pregnancy journey

Vern’s vlog then begins on the day of the embryo transfer. She shared her mixed feelings about it, saying, “So tomorrow, we’re finally going to transfer you in me, and I’m a little bit nervous. Actually, I’m just happy that my family’ here because it really took my mind off it. It just made me happy.”

Her hopes for the process remain evident as she said, “I can’t wait for you to meet them, but tomorrow is the day. I really hope that we’re gonna be one and be part of our family. I hope that this is it. I’m just so, so, so, so, so excited and happy that we finally have this opportunity.

“One step closer, and I’m just praying for the best. I don’t… I’m not expecting anything, but I hope this is it.”

Over the next few days, Vern shared her learnings, moods, and what kept her busy in their Bangkok hotel as they waited to confirm the pregnancy. She emphasized the balance between rest and activity, which is crucial for a successful implantation, which she shared on the day after the embryo transfer, “I’m very good, in a good mood. What’s important is, I just get a rest. They said too much bed rest is very bad, so I’m really making sure that I get my blood flowing.”

Throughout her waiting period, Vern and Ben maintained a positive outlook, filling their days with activities that bring joy and relaxation. Vern also noted some lifestyle changes she embraced, such as not having coffee: “It’s my day two of no coffee. It’s like my mom instinct just kicked in and I just don’t need coffee anymore. So surreal.”

The influencer also shared her realizations on possible pregnancy symptoms, saying, “It’s weird that before, for two years, I would always feel these symptoms thinking that I’m pregnant. I would feel like I’m bloated. I’d feel so moody. I’d feel extra sleepy. I’d feel my boobs are sore. I would feel all these things and then I would get my period. But now that I have an actual embryo inside me, I barely feel anything, which is so weird.”

Vern also shared some tips she learned from other IVF moms, such as not showering for the first few days after the embryo transfer: “A lot of the IVF moms I spoke to said that it’s better to delay showering just so you don’t change your body temperature. It’s important to wear socks. It’s important to make your body warm and cozy for your kids because that’s where your uterus thrives.”

She also shared diet tips: “In the morning, as they said, you have to eat or drink pomegranate and beetroot juice, and then include avocados in your diet. Include salmon in your diet. Include nuts. Include oats. Include lots of fiber. Berries are good for antioxidants. If you can stay away from soy and gluten, that’s very important because gluten and soy are inflammatory for your body, so it’s better to be anti-inflammatory. So your body is just concentrating on making your embryo stick and implant instead of fighting off gluten and soy.”

More importantly, Vern emphasized the importance of having support: “Another important detail is to have a very supportive husband, partner, or if you’re single, have a very supportive family member or friend. It should be positive all the time. Choose a friend, family member, husband who is very, very supportive and won’t get annoyed with you because basically you’re bedridden for the next seven days. Who will take care of you, who’ll support you, who’ll make you happy. That’s a very, very important thing.”

A Valentine’s gift

Towards the end of the vlog, Vern shows the unforgettable moment they received the positive pregnancy test result, which coincided with Valentine’s Day.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Dad!” Vern greeted Ben as she showed him the message from the fertility clinic.

A message of hope

Vern concludes her vlog with a heartfelt message to others who might be on a similar journey:

“To all moms out there still waiting for their rainbow baby.
I hope that this vlog is a testament that there is hope for you, too.
Hearing that heartbeat one day will be worth the wait.
For now, live in the moment, enjoy your partner and all the time you have with yourself.
Because when that time comes, you’ll never be alone again.”--Vern Enciso

Read here to learn more about the IVF process.