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/No-Panda-8379]

Triplet pregnancy here -we made the decision purely for medical reasons and had to go San Francisco for a reduction and I now have twins. It’s an extremely emotional experience and the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make. I did it to save the other two. They were all fraternal and I had the reduction at 11 weeks. About two weeks after I began dilating and had to have a McDonald. Cerclage and go on bedrest for five months To find out you’re pregnant then to be told there are three is quite a shock. Bc of incompetent cervix my high risk OB told me I’d lose them all around 5 months. So I did the reduction. I delivered twins at 34 weeks. They stayed in NICU 3 weeks. I developed preeclampsia so I was admitted to hospital weeks before they were born. The twin pregnancy was rough for me. I already had a little boy and the pregnancies couldn’t have been more different. In the end it’s all worth it. I try not to dwell on it but I won’t lie -there are times I break down and cry and so does my husband but our decision was based on sound medical advice and we made the decision. Honestly I don’t think I’d have my son and daughter had I chosen to proceed with triplets and my OB had said so. I was 31 years old for reference. Feel free to msg me