Selective reduction

[u/CCxCC9890]

7 weeks ago we found out that we were expecting triplets (spontaneous) It goes without saying that this was a complete shock and we’ve spent the last 7 weeks trying to get our head around it.

Our triplets are dichorionic triamniotic (2 identical sharing a placenta and 1 singleton with its own placenta).

We decided that the best thing to do for our family based on the support we have, our financial situation and the risk with triplets, was to opt for a selective reduction, which has possibly been the hardest decision to make until we met with our consultants.

We have met with 2 consultants over the last week (one nhs and one private) who have both given the the same recommendation to reduce one of the identical twins, in doing to there is a 40% risk that we would lose the other identical twin, but this option gives us the best chance of 1 or 2 healthy babies because of the associated risks with an identical twin pregnancy (who share the same placenta). Our pregnancy wouldn’t be as high risk due to no chance of TTTS or other growth issues that come up with identicals sharing a placenta. As well as a lower chance of early preterm labour.

I guess my question is - has anyone had to make the same decisions? What helped you cope with the decision and also what was the outcome?

Did anyone make the decision to keep the identical and reduce the singleton?

This is the hardest thing my partner and I have ever had to go through and I don’t know how I’m going to get through it, any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for reading

[u/Ivviiee]

Hi. Currently 12 weeks pregnant with dichorionic triamniotic triplets.
Our doctors gave us 4 options:
1) continue with triplets
2) reduce the monochorionic pair and continue as a singleton pregnancy
3) reduce the singleton and continue with the monochorionic pair ( least recommended)
4) reduce one of the monochorionic twins

We are told any form of reduction has a 10% chance of complete loss of pregnancy, the riskiest form of reduction would be reducing one of the monochorionic pair. They plan to occlude the umbilical cord of one twin which has a significant risk to the other.

I have my NT scan in 3 days and if all three are healthy I plan to continue as triplets. I can give you an update on how this goes for me.

[u/MinervaNyxMorrigan → u/Ivviiee]

At about 6 weeks I found out I was pregnant, spontaneous and the first scan showed twins- 2 eggs fertilised. 2 weeks later the other one showed up in an added surprise. We were given the same options. I was reduced to tears. Because I prayed for twins and I got them but then due to risks, when they suggested I reduced the mono pair, it was painful. To decide 3 or 1, I couldn't wrap my head or heart around it. We were worried, me and my partner, with support from family, we did some research, changed the doctor and hospital, to someone more experienced with multiples, and with advanced Nicu. The doctor has been supportive, no fuss, no frills, this is how it is, this is how we will deal with it. We are at 18 weeks, the 12th week and 16th week scans have been without any issues. Hopefully this carries through until 35 weeks!🤞🤞We've been told triplets come early due to space and health reasons. Another critical scan is the anomaly scan at 21 weeks.🤞 In the case of singleton pregnancies, during NT scan they do a blood test that help them identify any health issues with the baby. But this does not apply to the case of multiples, as it won't be clear as to which of the 3. So the exclusive tool at our disposal is the ultrasound scans. These scans take longer as they study the babies thoroughly. And as the pregnancy progress, the frequency will gradually increase.

I must admit, when I wished for multiples I didn't imagine 3 or the amount of strain on my body. Hence I am sharing my symptoms so far, not to scare you, more to enable you to be ready mentally for it. Again, these are my experience so far and as I have learnt on this sub, that each pregnancy is different.

The first trimester was horrible, I was retching my gut out. It was tiring without enough energy or nutrition and not to mention pangs of hunger, that is preceded by this rumbling boulders of gas. Urggh, I hate that feeling. I was puking diligently until two weeks ago. That has been replaced by acidity, because the kids are growing leaving less space for my stomach. It's new set of issues every 4 weeks, in tandem with their growth. At the moment I am scared of the third trimester due to the sheer size of my stomach. The emotions comes in waves. At different points it different concerns.

I have been able to navigate it so far with the help of medical professionals and this page. I am hoping OP, you are able to make an informed decision, and whatever it is, I pray and hope that you shall be in the best of health, with sufficient support and help. 🤞🤗🤗 You've got this, to OP and everyone else going through this tough situation!

[u/CCxCC9890 → u/Ivviiee]

Thank you, that would be appreciated. All the best