Intro (for now?)

[luchich]

Hi ladies,

I was told to come over to this board from my PAIF board since I just found out we are pregnant with triplets and I'm completely panicked!

I had my 4th iui done with one mature follicle and my ultra sound just showed yesterday triplets with 3 separate sacs measuring perfectly on time with amazing heartbeats. My RE told me I'm very high risk with being pregnant with triplets and that she would highly recommend selective reduction. She says having a singleton is my best option. I still have to wait to get an appt with a MFM doctor and figure everything out hopefully soon.

Has anyone had a similar situation? I'm so upset and nervous I just want what's best for me and baby or babies. I wasn't expecting her to say I should only have one, I thought maybe they would recommend the SR for one baby but she's saying 2!
It's a hard pill to swallow and I'm scared shit right now. Any advice or stories or anything would be great. Thanks in advance!

[julie216]

luchich, I responded to your post on the other thread. I know 2 people who were pregnant with triplets. One didn't do SR and carried to 33 weeks and delivered 3 very healthy babies. Small, but healthy. They weighed between 3 & 4 pounds. They were fraternal. The other girl did choose to reduce 1 although her RE recommended she reduce 2. Her MFM said she saw no reason why she couldn't carry twins to at least 36 weeks. He said she could probably carry triplets too, but it would be much riskier. She is now 32 weeks pregnant and she feels it was the very best decision for them. I would say meet with your MFM. They don't do the reduction until you are between 11 & 13 weeks, so you have time to make the decision. If they are all fraternal, it is still high risk, but not as high risk as identicals sharing a placenta. You are in a no judgement zone....we are here for you whatever decision you make.

[bluebonnet22]

I don't have any experience, but I have read many books on being pregnant with multiples and none have indicated that SR from triplets to singleton was a general recommendation. I guess the way I see it is, when you are pregnant with twins a reduction is never recommended so I'm not sure why in your case they would think twins are so risky? It's hard knowing what your doctor is thinking - perhaps you have risk factors that would make carrying even twins risky (small stature, small torso, low BMI)? You are young so I can't imagine age was a factor in her recommendation.

Anyways, just butting in to say if my doctor gave me that recommendation I'd probably want more information about why in YOUR particular case a twin pregnancy is overly risky/dangerous and why reducing to twins isn't the best option in your case. In your shoes I would *probably* elect to reduce to twins or attempt a triplet pregnancy. As Julie said this is a judgement free zone and you have to do what's best for you and your family.

[SassyPants150]

I have no advice but just wanted to send along my support and encouragement. Hopefully your MFM appointment can help you in making the decision you feel is the best. I can only imagine how stressful this must be for you. Hugs!

[luchich]

I think the main reason why RE is suggesting a singleton is because of my BMI. She didn't come out and say it but I have no other health issues except that I am slightly over weight. I needed to lose 20 lbs to be in a good enough BMI for ivf.

[macchiatto]

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I'm sorry you're faced with this tough decision. I agree that I would consult with the MFM next before you decide, and you're also wise to talk to other MoMs about it. My first u/s was at 12w and showed two babies; SR was never a discussion for me but i have a number of friends who wrestled with that decision. Most elected not to reduce. I would also want to find out how much a slightly high BMI increases your risks.

[lupineaura]

No personal experience, but I researched SR while going through my treatments- I wasn't technically hyperstimulated the cycle I got pregnant but my potential # of follicles was on the high side. Everything I read suggested the standard was to reduce to twins (versus a singleton). That being said, you need to make the decision that is right for your family- whether that is one, two, or three babies. No judgement from me, just *hugs*

Also, I found this blog/resource: www.mother-to-one.com

[Deleted]

I have no advice, but I'm wishing you the best! I agree with PP that speaking to a MFM might answer a lot of questions and help make your decision easier. Sending you lots of positive thoughts.

[anotherdreamer]

I would definitely talk to MFM first. As for your weight, I was obese carrying my son and twins and no one batted an eye at it. I don't know if that would make such a difference honestly. I would ask specific reasoning in your case, and talk to MFM with very specific questions. Also research and talk to people who have done it, and those that didn't. I am sorry you have to make this decision. This is a hypothetical decision my DH and I had many times while pursuing fertility treatments, but never had to act on.

[luchich]

Thank you ladies! Next Tuesday is my appt with MFM doctor, I'm anxious to figure this out!

[kels09]

Congratulations! My BFF conceived triplets naturally and SR was really pushed on her too because she was over weight and had GD with her first pregnancy. She had two identical and one fraternal. They recommended she keep the singleton because that one had a greater chance for a successful pregnancy.

They decided not to reduce and their girls will be 5 this month. They did a lot of research and got a 2nd opinion before deciding what they wanted to do. it is not an easy thing to deal with infertilty and then to finally get pregnant to be told you shoud reduce must be very overwhelming. I hope that when you see an MFM they will help you to makes the right choice for you and you family. Good luck.

[julie216]

luchich, Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you.... good luck on Tuesday! Please keep us posted!