For Icelandic couple Nora and Erik, the road to parenthood was anything but smooth, especially considering Nora’s family history of Down’s Syndrome. However, with the aid of pre-implantation genetic testing at TFP Boston Place Fertility, they welcomed a healthy baby girl in December 2024 after years of trying.
Nora and Erik’s Journey
Nora and Erik, both working at a small animation studio in Iceland, crossed paths in 2013 and were grateful to avoid the usual complications of workplace romances. While Erik, 50, had an 18-year-old daughter from a prior relationship, he and Nora, 39, envisioned expanding their family one day.
They began trying to conceive naturally in 2017, but after a year without success, they consulted a doctor in Iceland. Nora met with a gynaecologist in the summer of 2018, who reassured her that everything seemed fine. However, two years went by filled with multiple miscarriages before they were referred for their first IVF cycle in 2021. Unfortunately, this cycle only resulted in a chemical pregnancy after two embryo transfers.
Nora was also aware of her family’s history of Down’s Syndrome but was unfamiliar with the specific genetic factors involved, later identified as Robertsonian translocation. “When we first spoke to a doctor, we were told that Down’s Syndrome wasn’t hereditary, and we shouldn’t be concerned,” Nora recalls. “They completely dismissed the possibility,” Erik adds, “Not just one, but every physician we consulted.”
In 2022, they began exploring treatment options overseas after Nora’s cousin recommended TFP Boston Place Fertility. “I knew she had gone to England for genetic testing, but I didn’t have the details,” Nora reflects. They also consulted a genetic specialist in Iceland, learning that the translocation was connected to her mother’s pregnancy testing for Down’s Syndrome.
Armed with this new knowledge about the risks of passing on a genetic condition and the increased likelihood of miscarriage—with a mere 10% chance of a successful pregnancy—they were informed about the necessity of pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) during IVF. However, PGT wasn’t available in Iceland, though the National Health Insurance would cover testing abroad. “The support is out there if you know where to look, but the information about PGT isn’t widely shared in Iceland,” Tomas explains.
In July 2022, they visited TFP Boston Place Fertility for their first consultation. It took them two more years and five IVF cycles—resulting in 13 embryos sent for PGT—before they finally found the healthy embryo they were hoping for. All prior cycles had yielded embryos with that extra chromosome, and as time passed, Nora felt the pressure of age. “I turned 36, then 37, and then 38; people said I was fine, but each egg retrieval came with uncertainty, and the complexity of the process felt like time was slipping away,” she shares.
“It became increasingly challenging, both physically and emotionally, with each failed attempt,” Erik states. “Women should be more informed about their reproductive health, whether there are underlying issues or simply the egg count necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Early fertility assessments should be encouraged so women can make informed decisions.”
Erik pushed Nora to try one last time during their final treatment. “I wanted to ensure we’d done everything possible, so there would be no lingering doubts in the years to come,” he says. The wait for the PGT results from their fifth cycle, which hinged on a single embryo, was agonizing, but their efforts paid off when they learned they had a healthy embryo. After seven long years, their daughter, Sophia, was born in December 2024.
“Having the chance to celebrate the birth of our child after such a challenging journey feels magical,” says Erik. However, he emphasizes that this experience often leaves emotional scars, which should not be ignored. “This process is arduous, but made easier by the compassion of healthcare professionals at TFP Boston Place. The birth is a deeply moving experience, and like any parents, we’ll face joys and challenges ahead. But remember to take care of yourself and your partner; you both carry invisible marks from what you’ve endured. Tend to those with kindness.”
If you’re interested in other family-related topics, check out our blog post on creating a fun atmosphere for little ones with our Citrus Vanilla Bubble Bath. For those considering similar paths, resources like Make a Mom offer valuable insights into couples’ fertility journeys, including artificial insemination kits. Plus, for more information on pregnancy and home insemination, Hopkins Medicine provides excellent resources on intrauterine insemination.
Summary
Nora and Erik’s challenging path to parenthood was transformed through pre-implantation genetic testing, leading to the birth of their daughter Sophia after years of struggles and emotional hurdles. Their experience highlights the importance of seeking comprehensive medical advice and support.