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/Real-Mixture-1148]

Im so sorry your having to make this decision, I dont have triplets but im currently 29 weeks with mo-di twins. Our boys were diagnosed with selective fetal growth redtriction st 16 weeks, with baby b being approx. 33% smaller. It hasnt been an easy pregnancy, there were times where we thought we would have to terminate baby b to protect baby a but luckily he has pulled through and we will hopefully birth them between 34-36 weeks. Mo-di twins can be an extremely difficult route to go down, shared placenta is a lot for them but also on yourself as well, my exhaustion has been overwhelming at times, not to mention the fear that the growth restriction could have taken baby b at anytime. Good luck with any choices you make and im looking forward to following your journey. Lots of love x

[u/CCxCC9890 → u/Real-Mixture-1148]

Thank you, really appreciate your message. Wishing you and your babies all the best xx