

In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves a series of complex clinical steps that can be difficult for patients to fully understand while undergoing treatment. This guide provides a clear overview of the physiologic principles, treatment protocols, laboratory processes, and clinical decision points involved in modern IVF care. By translating reproductive endocrinology concepts into accessible language, the book helps patients better understand the procedures and discussions taking place throughout their treatment. It is designed to serve as an educational companion to the care provided by fertility specialists..
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Please Call True Health Acupuncture at 702-475-0870
You can also book online on the True Health Acupuncture website.
1535 W Warm Springs, Ste 135
Henderson, Nevada 89014

Michelle A.
My name is Michelle Aukerman. And I just have to say that Joyce at True Health Acupuncture is probably the best ultrasound technician I have ever had in my life and I’ve been through several. She’s very personal and talks through everything and if something goes wrong, she says OK how do we make this right? What’s the next step we need to take? You don’t hear that from any other ultrasound tech, they're so jaded. The comfort environment at True Health Acupuncture is unmatchable. It does not feel like a doctor's office and everybody is so warm but when it comes to Joyce, she is completely unmatched. It’s like having your own mother right there with you. I highly highly recommend her.
Thank you, the Aukerman’s
This is the second pregnancy that I came to Joyce for my outside monitoring. I have been very nervous about the whole process, but Joyce guided me through each and every ultrasound. Although the monitoring went smoothly, upon achieving pregnancy I developed some bleeding. Of course, I panicked. Joyce explained everything that was going on with my bleeding and helped me through this anxious time. I don’t know what I would have done without Joyce’s calm demeanor. And the added bonus is having acupuncture treatment right there at True Health Acupuncture, the office Joyce works out of. I will always be truly thankful for the amazing experience that I received from both Joyce and True Health to be a part of my fertility journey.

Joyce is an exceptional individual who made a significant impact during my IVF journey. I had the privilege of meeting her when I needed support, and she was able to perform ultrasounds when our IVF Dr was unable to accommodate us. Her ability to confirm our twin pregnancy was incredibly reassuring. Joyce took the time to explain everything she was observing, which not only made the experience more memorable but also helped alleviate my anxiety. Her compassionate approach truly made a difference in my experience.


Welcome back to our journey through the first trimester. While you might be just getting used to the idea of being pregnant, your baby is undergoing the most rapid and critical period of its entire development. This is the embryonic stage, where the fundamental blueprint for a human being is laid down.
Between weeks 5 and 8, the embryo transforms from a tiny cluster of cells into a recognizable form with developing organs and limbs. The sheer speed of this growth is breathtaking.
One of the very first and most significant milestones occurs around week 5 or 6: the heart begins to form and beat. It starts as a simple tube that flickers and contracts, and it's one of the first things a doctor will look for on an early ultrasound to confirm a viable pregnancy.
Simultaneously, the neural tube, which will become the brain and spinal cord, closes and begins to develop. This is why folic acid, which we discussed in our last post, is so essential during this specific window. The foundations for the entire central nervous system are being established right now.
As the weeks progress, tiny buds appear that will grow into arms and legs. Facial features like eyes, a nose, and a mouth begin to take shape. Inside the tiny body, the groundwork is being laid for the lungs, liver, kidneys, and digestive system. By the end of week 8, all the major organs and body systems have begun to form.
To support this monumental effort, your body is working overtime. The placenta is developing rapidly, and your hormone levels (especially hCG and progesterone) are surging. This intense internal activity is why the first-trimester experience for the mother can be so demanding. Overwhelming fatigue is extremely common, as your body diverts immense energy to the baby's development. This is also when "morning sickness" often peaks, triggered by hormonal changes and a heightened sense of smell. It's your body's way of protecting the developing embryo, but it can be a challenging experience.
Starting your cycle
Starting an IVF cycle is stressful enough, doing it with an out-of-state provider just increases that stress. That is why we have developed an out-of state monitoring program to help women that need ultrasound monitoring without having to travel to their provider. We follow your physicians instructions and with be able to accommodate your schedule. Most all cycles, whether retrievals or transfers, will need 2-3 ultrasounds during that cycle. All reports can be faxed or emailed to your physician within 2-3 hours after the exam is finished.