In July 2003, my partner Alex and I embarked on our IVF journey, and by September, we received the exhilarating news—we were expecting twins! From our initial consultation with Dr. Smith to the joyous confirmation of our pregnancy, the experience was overwhelmingly positive. Each step was clearly explained, from success rates to potential risks, allowing us to approach the process with optimism.
We were both on board with the possibility of twins, so opting to implant more than one embryo to enhance our chances was a straightforward decision. Dr. Smith supported the idea of carrying twins, but he also advised on the slim chance of more embryos attaching, recommending a reduction if necessary. On the day of the transfer, we learned that we had eight viable fertilized eggs. I was eager to transfer four embryos to maximize our chances, but both Alex and Dr. Smith gently persuaded me against it, fearing that all four might implant.
A few weeks later, after my blood test, my numbers were so elevated that I half-expected triplets. The ultrasound, however, revealed two tiny heartbeats. We were ecstatic to finally be pregnant, and I was relieved to avoid the dilemma of carrying three babies. My primary concern throughout the pregnancy was to carry my twins to full term. There was a plethora of negative information about multiple births, particularly regarding premature delivery. But I found a wonderful resource, When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads, which reassured me that a difficult pregnancy wasn’t a given. It encouraged me to aim for a full 40 weeks, instead of the typical 35-37 for twins, which shifted my perspective.
I loved that the book suggested indulging in food—who doesn’t enjoy double cheeseburgers and milkshakes? I maintained my exercise routine, swapping running for pregnancy-friendly workouts, and continued until my 37th week. On May 6, 2004, just over 40 weeks later, I was induced, but ultimately had a cesarean delivery.
Life with twins is nothing short of delightful. They entertain one another, and it’s fascinating to witness their developmental differences. Just after turning six months, they began crawling a day apart, and while Janelle shows off her walking skills with a walker, Ashley is just mastering pulling herself up. I sometimes wish for more one-on-one time with each of them, but they seem perfectly content as a duo, often laughing together in what appears to be their own secret language.
At 36, I feel incredibly fortunate to have two healthy, beautiful children who have each other to grow up with. We still have three frozen embryos and are contemplating trying again in the future. I always encourage anyone struggling with fertility to check out the resources available at our clinic before considering other options. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Smith and his team for our wonderful daughters.
Twin pregnancies are prevalent among women undergoing IVF, and while many have positive outcomes, singleton pregnancies generally have a higher chance of resulting in healthy babies. We prioritize singleton pregnancies for safety, discussing the pros and cons of transferring multiple embryos with patients. Although multiple pregnancies can increase risks for both mother and babies, studies show that transferring a single embryo can still yield excellent results and may be more cost-effective. As techniques like embryo freezing improve, we move closer to achieving our goal of promoting singleton births.
For more on the topic, check out this insightful post about couples conceiving on their first attempt, and explore fertility supplements for boosting your chances of pregnancy. Additionally, you can find an excellent resource on home insemination methods, which may also be of interest.
Summary
Alex and I navigated our IVF journey with positivity, leading to the joy of expecting twins. Despite the challenges of multiple pregnancies, we cherished every moment and remain grateful for the support we received from our fertility team. With three frozen embryos left, we are considering the possibility of expanding our family in the future.