TTC-SMBC-40-chance of multiples?

Episcopalgirl2

Hello all, 
I have wanted to be a mom for a long time and once I turned 40 last July, I knew that I could no longer wait for Mr. Right to get started on my family.  I have had 5 IUIs to date.  This current cycle, my doctor added clomid/clomid challenge along with ultrasound monitoring and the trigger shot.  At today's day 13 ultrasound the doc. found 2 mature follicles and possibly a third.  I was warned of the possibility of multiples but then was told that if I was doing IVF, they would fertilize 2-3 eggs anyway.  In other words, should I be freaking out about the possibility of multiples through IUI, especially given that I am doing this on my own?  Or, should I be encouraged that the multiple follicles may give me a better chance to conceive at all?   

SuperKristy85

Hello! I have no experience or advice with IUI but there are boards specifically for it that may have more answers. I personally would be excited about any number of babies ;-) 

wintersong

Can't you be both?

HurricaneAmelia

I have not been in this situation but I hope the best for you. It's very courageous to go at this alone and I'm sure you will tackle whatever God gives you. I hope all goes well and you come to a decision you are comfortable with:)

NamelessAria

I suppose this somewhat depends on how you feel about having multiples. If you think about having multiples and the first thing that comes to mind is how it's something you absolutely do NOT want then I'd say it may be something to be concerned about. If you're OK with having multiples then I'd say to try to focus on being excited for better chances. Although I think some freaking out over the possibility of multiples is normal.

But I mean, that's just me. I'd love a take-home baby at this point whether that means I'm taking home 1 baby or 2 babies or whatever.

As a disclaimer: I've never had an IUI so I'm not really qualified to have an opinion on IUIs.

LadyMillil

 Episcopalgirl2 said:

Hello all, 
I have wanted to be a mom for a long time and once I turned 40 last July, I knew that I could no longer wait for Mr. Right to get started on my family.  I have had 5 IUIs to date.  This current cycle, my doctor added clomid/clomid challenge along with ultrasound monitoring and the trigger shot.  At today's day 13 ultrasound the doc. found 2 mature follicles and possibly a third.  I was warned of the possibility of multiples but then was told that if I was doing IVF, they would fertilize 2-3 eggs anyway.  In other words, should I be freaking out about the possibility of multiples through IUI, especially given that I am doing this on my own?  Or, should I be encouraged that the multiple follicles may give me a better chance to conceive at all?   

I'm doing clomid plus IUI currently. My RE says The overall risk of multiples on Clomid is about 7- 10%, with less than 1% chance of triplets or high order multiples. The odds of conceiving at all with Clomid + IUI is 12-20% if you have no fertility problems.

AndiPandi127

So, here's the thing: Carrying multiples is high risk no matter what. It doesn't so much have to do with "oh, I'd take any amount of babies" so much as "am I willing to risk complications at a much higher probability if I get pregnant with twins". This is a serious concern, and people who say to me "oh, maybe you'll just have twins and only have to have one pregnancy! How easy and twins - so fun!" pretty much get serious side eye from me. 

OP, I would discuss the risks of not just conceiving multiples but carrying them with your doctor. Since you are over 40 they are going to categorize you as high risk already (I'm right there with you - very close to 40) and consider the answers. Take a look at the Trouble TTC board and search for this topic, I have a feeling it's been discussed and you could read more there. Good luck to you, I hope you are a mommy really soon!

sldp123

From my understanding, the goal of Clomid is to have multiple mature follicles (within reason) so that there is a better chance of one of them being fertilized. In each of my first two rounds of Clomid, I had two mature follicles with the possibility of a third maturing before ovulation in my second round. I did not have success of even one baby either month. So yes, there is a risk of multiples, but it is far from a guarantee. Like @LadyMillil said, my RE also said there is about a 10% chance of twins with Clomid, so the odds are still very much in favor of a singleton. 

KristoKekerooni

There definitely is a higher risk of multiples, however the chances of all of the follicles being fertilized give your history may not be super high. The biggest concern isn't necessarily how you feel about multiples (though that is very important!). The doctor is more concerned with the risks associated with multiples. Your chances of complications goes up drastically with every fetus. Most docs will say two is okay, but three is when they start talking about reduction. It's really a toss up. Do you want to risk the chance of multiples and possibly end up with none? Or do you want to be sure you will only have one, but still end up with none? **this is all from a general stance, I don't know your medical history** 
What I suggest is this:
First, talk to your doc. Ask him to explain all the risk and statistical possibilities of conceiving at all, plus the possibility of multiples. I suggest recording the conversation or taking notes. It'll be a lot of overwhelming information. Then, before making any decisions, go home and think. Dig deep. Does the possibility of a child outweigh your concerns over multiple children? Only you can answer how you feel. 

SisterMaryNapalm

***dirty lurker, siggy warning***
OP, I think you're being sensible considering your options when multiples and higher order multiples are a risk. I'm currently pregnant with twins and I'm active in the multiples community so I'll share with you some of the things to expect from a multiples pregnancy. I'm not sharing this to convince you either way but I've noticed many people aren't aware of the risks until they're already pregnant (like me). 

**TW - Pregnancy & Pregnancy risks**

With twins, the chances of things like gestational diabetes and Pre-eclampsia are 3-5 times higher than a singleton pregnancy. This is higher again with HOMs. Depending on where you deliver you will either be at a higher risk of c-section or they'll want you to deliver by c-section by default (though this may not be a big deal for you)

The chances are that even with the lowest risk twins (with two placentas and two sacs which is what you'll most likely have if you're doing it through IUI or IVF) you'll deliver before 36 weeks. 50% of twins are delivered before this date. Anecdotally, DH's multiples dads group has not had any twins born after 34 weeks in the time he's belonged to it (6 months or so). Triplets are almost always born between 28 weeks and 32 weeks.

The risks for the babies are needing NICU time with help for breathing, feeding and temperature regulations. NICU time is really hard emotionally for the family because the babies can sometimes have holding/touching restrictions, your babies are unwell and you're trying to visit them as much as possible while recovering from birth. It's also very expensive depending on how much your insurance covers which adds to the stress. 

When you're carrying your babies, it will be *hard*. I'm currently 36 weeks, measuring 11 weeks ahead (so I have the belly equivalent to 47 weeks gestation) and I'm carrying 13lbs of baby (plus two placentas, fluid etc). It's hard to describe the pressure that it puts on your body but it's probably the most full on thing my body has ever done. I will need to have some physiotherapy to repair some of the effects of twin pregnancy. 

It's not all doom and gloom, there are magical moments as with every pregnancy. You will get more scans to monitor growth and development which means you get to see them more. You will also have more than one baby at the end Also, for twins at least you don't need double of everything but you will go through between 20-24 diapers a day and you may need formula even if you plan to breastfeed. 

Please feel free to PM me if you want to talk more about it

britters314

I've never done IUI or IVF, but I have a family member who did IVF and they did fertilize 2 or 3 eggs, but told her that all of them could take and they could also possibly split (which would give you identical twins rather than fraternal) so with 3 fertilized eggs that could possibly (though as PPs have said it's a low chance) get you pregnant with 6 and you would have to consider a reduction. So it's not even just a possibility of twins or triplets to think about.

FWIW: the family member who did this got pregnant twice from IVF - once with 1 baby and once with twins. Though that doesn't really have a bearing on what will happen for you.

hunnybunny17

I think you should ask your RE for clarification on what the odds are for your particular case considering your history with unsuccessful IUIs before. I think that might put your mind more at ease of what to do. While the chance for multiples is something to take very seriously, your chance may be less than what you think or less than "normal." Good luck!

Personal experience: This past cycle I was told that my overall chance of getting pregnant is now greater than my risk for multiples. This may be the same with you... or it may not. My RE did calculations based on me and DH's complete TTC history and testing, and our chances of having multiples even with 6 mature follicles is only ~2%. 6! I usually have 1-2 follicles, and now with my Femara being increased I had 3 follicles this cycle. Also FWIW, multiples- even twins- are something I'm very much trying to avoid due to my health conditions potentially impacting even a singleton pregnancy.

iceandsnowflakes29

***Lurker***





Take this for what is but, I have had 2 clomid/ trigger IUIS with 2 beautiful follicles and did not conceive at all on either cycle. 

However, we did have a male - factor issue so, there's that. 


Anyway, good luck. 

chickyclg

As a twin mom via IVF/FET, I can tell you so many ups and downs to twins.  But the scariest by far was the pregnancy and overall health issues, I went into PTL 3 times and ultimately delivered at 34 weeks when Baby As water broke.   We had many incidents in NICU where the babies would just stop breathing which was terrifying for us.

Prematurity has been a night mare since 15 months later we are still dealing with "preemie issues" with my daughter and finally finished PT with my son.  We basically spent a minimum of 2-3 days a week the entire first year in all sorts of different doctors offices.