Over from Infertility with a Question for mom's of Triplets

Ann679 · November 2011

A little background, we just did the retrieval yesterday for our second IVF. Of the 8 eggs they retreived only 3 of the fertilized. Of course, a lot can change between now and Thursday (our 3 day transfer), but we are trying to decide if we should put back all 3 embryos. I was hoping some of you could give me some advice. We feel we would be ok with having triplets, but the idea of having complications during the pregnancy scares me.

How did you handle your multiple pregnancy?

Did you have a lot of complication?

Knowing what you know now, would you risk a triplet pregnancy?

Give it to me straight. Am I crazy to be considering transferring 3?

pea-kay · November 2011

A triplet pregnancy is hard and scary. And I had an easy, uneventful pregnancy. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but the outcome is admittedly pretty awesome. And hard. And expensive.

My only complication was pre-eclampsia, which is why I delivered at 33w2d.

My boys were spontaneous, so there were no decisions going into my pregnancy, so I don't feel it's my place to advise you what to do there. But I don't think I'd ever *try* for triplets. But lots of people I know transfer three and end up with 2, or maybe 1. Or you could be a good friend of mine who transferred 3 and ended up with quads.

I'm sure other triplet moms who did IVF will be able to answer better.

Hugs, and I wish you the very very best of luck with your decision!

Ann679 · November 2011

Thank you for your insight. We're definitely not "trying" for triplets. Like you said, there are lots of people who transfer 3 and end up with anywhere from 0-4. Last time we transferred two and ended up with nothing. I'm just really worried about having to choose 2 of the 3. But I'm also nervous about having a triplet pregnancy. Decisions, decisions.

naflmj · November 2011

Ann679:
Thank you for your insight. We're definitely not "trying" for triplets. Like you said, there are lots of people who transfer 3 and end up with anywhere from 0-4. Last time we transferred two and ended up with nothing. I'm just really worried about having to choose 2 of the 3. But I'm also nervous about having a triplet pregnancy. Decisions, decisions.

WHat does your RE say. I'd feel better doing it knowing you had put 2 back and none stuck but at the same time, our first round we put back 2 and one stuck, 2nd time both stuck. I have a friend who put 2 back on the 2nd attempt and has triplets, none stuck the first time around. Also, it would depend on the quality of the embryo's on day 3, if they are poor or so/so I think I'd be more comfortable than if they were all excellent quality. Also, how old are you...that would definitely play in to my decision. I am not carrying twins, just my 2 cents from an IF perspective.

efhoping2010 · November 2011

I just wanted to say good luck with your ET

Ann679 · November 2011

I won't know the quality until Thursday. So I know a lot could change. I'm just over thinking this as usual. I'm kind of worried about getting there Thursday and having to make a quick decision.

I'm 32. We are diagnosed with MFI, although I don't think I've responded that great to stims. Both times we have only gotten 6 mature eggs. This time they upped my meds a lot and still only got 6. The first time we transferred one 8 cell grade A and a 5 cell grade B and neither took.

Kmarie823 · November 2011

I'm not a triplet mama but I did do IVF did transfer 3 embryos. We transferred 2 8 cells and 1 10 cell embryo. We were initially pregnant with trips but lost our baby C late in the 8th week. I did go on to have a healthy twin pregnancy. I did have 13 weeks of bedrest with the twins due to PTL and shortening cervix. I did make it to my scheduled c-section at 38w2d so I had healthy take home babies.

Good luck with your decision I know how agonizing it is. I never in my life thought all 3 would stick but all I really wanted was 1 healthy baby and I didn't know if we could afford to do IVF again so we went all out.

Eriksgal · November 2011

We also only got 8 eggs at retrieval and 3 made it to day 5 so we transferred all three because my RE didnt know if that third embie would be able to be frozen on day 6 so we took a chance. Never thought it was going to work for one baby much less three! But we are very happy with the outcome and am glad we made the decision to transfer all three. The pregnancy was not easy but not horrible either. Its hard to say how your pregnancy would be with multiples as every woman is different. I did much better than some friends that only had singletons so you never know. I didn't have any complications until towards the end when I developed pre e and starting to get HELPP syndrome which is dangerous so we delivered at 32w6d. My trio was in the NICU for 4 weeks. Good luck with whatever choice you make and with your transfer!

veronicacorningstone · November 2011

First, I want to wish you all the luck in the world.

As for how many to transfer, that would really depend on the quality of the embryos. Well hell, maybe not. When I went through IVF, the most they would let us transfer was two, given my age and the fact this was our first try at IVF. I definitely wanted to transfer two, to up my odds. Given the fact this is your second try, I'd likely be wanting to transfer three if I was in your shoes.

Honestly, a multiples pregnancy is rough and has its risks. A friend had triplets last year and gave birth at 29 weeks. Her trio is happy and healthy now, but they spent nine weeks or so in the NICU.

I know of another woman who made it to her c-section date and came home from the hospital with three healthy babies, so you never know.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Ann679 · November 2011

Thanks for the advice ladies. I really appreciate it.

google123 · November 2011

I unfortunately know far too many triplet mommies who lost all 3 from my forum friends.

There are lots of factors, quality of eggs (how many cells will they be at 3d), and your age of course. Have you had a previous pregnancy? was it healthy? etc.

I would limit your transfer to just 2 if you are on the younger side and if they eggs are good quality. If they are not so good, and you are older, I'd say 3 might be ok, just assuming all 3 won't take.

hunt2005 · November 2011

Ann679:

I won't know the quality until Thursday. So I know a lot could change. I'm just over thinking this as usual. I'm kind of worried about getting there Thursday and having to make a quick decision.

I'm 32. We are diagnosed with MFI, although I don't think I've responded that great to stims. Both times we have only gotten 6 mature eggs. This time they upped my meds a lot and still only got 6. The first time we transferred one 8 cell grade A and a 5 cell grade B and neither took.

I would say it would depend on quality and whether you are financially ready for triplets. I won't lie, the pregnancy wasn't fun. I remember saying "I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy" at one point when I was in the hospital. I had a textbook perfect pregnancy up until I started having PTL at 29 weeks. Spent the next 4 weeks in the hospital for "irritable uterus" and pre-eclampsia. Water broke at 33w1d. The main reason I stayed in the hospital was because we lived an hour away and over a bridge and they didn't want to risk me having to deliver at a hospital without a NICU.

Another thing to consider, though, is that if all 3 are in great quality, and you only transfer 2 and freeze the 3rd, that makes a hard decision should it not work. Do an FET with just the one and pray it sticks, or try another IVF cycle.

As much as the pregnancy wasn't fun, and as expensive as the triplets are, I would never trade it for anything. It is amazing to watch them growing up together and I can't imagine only having one baby. It's a hard decision, praying that you can come to peace with whatever you decide!

georgiagirl1212 · November 2011

Disclaimer: my response is not at all meant to sound overly negative, as I am over the moon to have my babies, but I am trying to give you the realistic side of my story, which over all is remarkably lucky and uneventful as far as a triplet pregnancy and delivery go.

My triplets were born on 10/31 at 34 weeks 3 days (siggy not updated yet...too busy I carried than longer than average, and they did remarkably well despite their prematurity. Two came home after two weeks in the NICU, the third after three.

I had only transferred two embies, but one split into identicals, leading to my total of three baby girls. My triplet pregnancy was easy and uncomplicated until 30 weeks, when preterm contractions and high bp landed me in the hospital, where I stayed for a month and racked up a major medical bill. In the last few days before delivery, I developed full blown pre-e which got worse, not better, after their birth.

I lost way too much blood during the C-section (common w/ multiples, esp. higher-order ones) and needed 4 transfusions afterward. At the same time, my kidneys were threatening to fail and my bp was still dangerously high. So, although my girls were doing well in the NICU, I didn't see them for two days and couldn't truly visit them for another few days while I was completely out of it in bed hooked up to blood bags, a catheter, leg compression cuffs, oxygen, throwing up and out of my mind on magnesium sulfate with fluid building up in my lungs. Though I recovered, I wasn't able to produce milk as a result of all my complications, and I felt very emotionally upset by not being able to be present for my babies for so many days after their birth.

Though my babies are the biggest blessing and I love them so much it makes me cry, caring for them all is HARD, and I have help.

To be frank, I would not have chosen to have all my babies at the same time, for reasons both health-related and emotional. I went into my IVF cycle willing to risk no more than twins, but got more than I bargained for.

Best of luck with your decision, but remember that triplets are a serious deal. I would think long and hard before risking it.

jjcald26 · November 2011

I got pregnant with triplets via IUI - not IVF so I can't really give any kind of suggestions with that, but my pregnancy wasn't too bad. I had some issues with a shortened cervix around 22 weeks and taken out of work at that time. I ended up in the hospital for 2-3 days around 25 weeks with PTL which luckily they were able to stop. I was never on complete bed-rest, but had to take it easy at home and ended up making it to 35 weeks with no other problems (pre-e or gest. diabetes). All of my babies were in the NICU for a few days, but everyone got to come home with on day 5 - which was amazing and scary at the same time. I was so grateful they were healthy, but after the c-section, it was difficult to move around. Luckly my DH was home to help out! The only problem I had afterward was my c-section incision opened up at one end and I became the 4th baby - needing my incision packed twice daily.

It was a difficult decision to continue with the triplet pregnancy, because the fertility specialists immediately after finding out there were three, gave us information about reducing. We ended up having CVS testing done for all three @ 12 weeks because we didn't want to reduce unless there was a major problem with one or more.

I thank God every day for the health of my babies and wouldn't change anything, but believe me, it's not easy. Mine are just about 4 months old now and I went back to work at the beginning of November. DH lost his job back in July, so he stays home and luckily his family lives around the corner b/c his mother comes over twice every day to help with feedings. We're both exhausted by the end of the day, and already know it's not going to get easier any time soon! Good luck in your decision - it won't be an easy one!

Ann679 · November 2011

Thank you all for sharing your stories. I really appreciate the insight. We're going to wait and see what the RE recommends tomorrow. We have two 3 cell embryos and one slightly ahead at 6 cells. My biggest fear is only transferring two, having the 3rd not make it to freeze and ending up with a negative. We have decided to go with the RE's recommendation.

LilCarciofo · November 2011

i know im late but what else is new? my trips were iui not ivf but when faced with the reduction question, we couldnt do it. a very hard decision, i was also worried about their health, mine, and of course, money! But, it was the best decision i EVER made. but thats me. i know everyones situation varies greatly. yes, its a lot of work, and im a SAHM so we're pretty broke, but seeing these 3 faces everyday is a blessing and well worth it. my pregnancy was a little rough, swine flu@10 wks, PTL@ 31, various hospital stays. as long as you have a good support team and some good drs you'll be ok. good luck with your decision!

Ruby_Tuesday · November 2011

Also late with an answer... Notice how the trip moms are not able to respond in a timely manner...but here's my perspective....

The pregnancy was a breeze compared to actually taking care of triplets. I went to 35w6d with no real complications. I did stop working around 23 weeks and became a couch potato on doctor orders. I never really considered reducing. We transferred 3 embryos in FET #1. My boys were healthy. They spent a few days in the NICU as feeders. But taking care of them is HARD! I became a SAHM because I couldnt' cut it working FT and coming home to three babies (that's just me. others can hack it. i can't.) I still have days where I just feel like I'm not cut out for this...like today. We were in the hospital until 2am last night when one of them had an allergic reaction and then up at 6:30 this morning with the other two. I'm really tired. Make sure you consider your finances and support system when making this decision thas much as the risks during pregnancy.

PS ~ I'm old. My embies were 2 good and 1 poor. And I had a crappy history with pregnancy before my trips (1 m/c, and a few c/ps).

Good luck with the IVF and a healthy pregnancy be it one or more!!!

Over from Infertility with a Question for mom's of Triplets

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