Selective reduction - is it available in the UK?

[Unexpected2020]

I’m so sorry to ask this here, and it’s breaking my heart that I even have to consider it. I’ve just found out that I am pregnant with twins, it is a massive shock. For a significant number of reasons - physical (I’m extremely petite), mental health, financial, and for the preservation of our family, we just do not feel we can go ahead with it. I am struggling to find any info about my options - I have read about selective reduction, is this something that is available on the NHS? Please be kind and don’t judge me.

Congratulations on the birth of your daughter @Creamcracker1993. I hope you are all doing well. So happy for you.

Thank you @Amy2024 also for the support, it’s such a difficult time.

We went to fetal medicine and prof Nicolaydes recommended speaking to my consultant to see if they would refer on NHS which they were willing to do. They have referred me to a different professor at a different hospital so we now have a date booked in, should we wish to go ahead with reduction at 12 weeks. We have a few weeks to decide but it seems my husband is struggling with the decision more than I am, which is making it even more difficult. There truly doesn’t seem to be a good option at the moment.

I’m going to leave a final note on this thread then leave. I get a DM every few months on this topic and so will share my experience briefly and leave it there. We found Prof Basky in London via the NHS for the procedure at 13 weeks. I’d had awful PND with my first. While I wanted a 2nd, the thought of twins broke me and I went into emotional turmoil. I was also influenced by husband who did not want 3 children. The pregnancy continued with 1. Basky did warn us of the risks. I’m healthy and ‘young’ so considered them not apply to me. Sadly at 20 weeks I began to bleed. The following weeks, I was ‘flooding’ with blood and unable to leave the house. At 22 weeks my waters broke. At 24 weeks my little angle was born still. I cannot put into words the trauma, grief and suffering. Since this time I went on to have another baby which was solely singleton pregnancy. However, while I am delighted with my two children, I find myself thinking each day of the twins. I was a coward and will always hold myself to this choice and influence. Why did I choose so when children bring joy and are the greatest gift and experience of our lives. I’m sorry this may not be what anyone here probably wants to read but I feel it right to tell my truth. I read above numerous women who had perfect outcomes. Likely I was just unlucky.