That is an interesting statistic, Path. Do you happen to know if that is only for recent years, or if it reflects past decades as well? I imagine that the termination rates have gone down as medicine has become a little more family friendly, but I really don't know because no one discusses these things, either IRL or on MomMD.

I don't think anyone has outrightly judged her, but more shared our own opinions about our thoughts on reduction of a twin pregnancy. OP is free to do what is best for her whether or not we would or not. But that is a fair statement - she asked for advice not our opinions.

The idea that reducing a pregnancy is akin to picking your career over your children is what makes some of the comments judgemental IMHO. Having children is not in "end all, be all" in life, simply ONE aspect of it, among so many others.

SAHMD, I imagine that stat is over a period of decades and you're right, the number probably is lower over the past ~ 10 years. And I forgot to mention that this number also includes predoctoral/PhD's as well.

If you are already matched into your fellowship, then I would contact them and find out what your options are. Don't make a decision without all the information. I assume there is some middle ground between pregnancy and fellowship, somewhere. If you are not matched yet, I would wait and discuss it when you are already under contract. A fellowship, just like any other job, can not fire you for pregnancy. You may take more than a year to finish, but it sounds like you have great family support and that can not be underestimated.

Yes. Ignore my first comment and just read residentmom's twice, instead =).

I don't think twin pregnancy necessarily means you can't do this fellowship. I don't know about reduction, but does not sound all that safe even for the other baby. You've had trouble conceiving. Why take that chance? And when you see this beautiful baby, don't you think you would be wondering about the other one? I totally understand your concern regarding this fellowship, but I agree with other ladies here that you should find an alternative to reduction. BTW I am a 1000% pro choice and a feminist.

I'm slightly hesitant to bring this up because it isn't really the heart of the matter, but is it actually feasible to do a reduction? There was an article in the NYT magazine a few months ago about reduction in multiple pregnancies and it seems not many practitioners will agree to reduce twins to a singleton, because the relative risks are not as great as with higher-order multiples.

Anyway OP I think the heart of the matter is in your first post, where you say you would really love to have both babies and it would kill you to do the reduction. If the only thing standing in your way is the timing of your fellowship, well, I think that is something that can be overcome. Try talking to your PD before you make any irrevocable decisions.

Also, this may be *way* TMI, but I had a very easy twin pregnancy. I worked up until 37 weeks, taking public transportation to and from work every day (including making due when the city's public transit system went on strike!). A few days after I stopped work, I had an easy, scheduled c-section. I managed fine post CS living in a rowhouse with only one bathroom on the 2nd floor that necessitated climbing stairs.
Twins are not going to inherently harm your work in fellowship, so long as you have help in place. So in addition to your mom and husband, look into doulas and nannies!

I don't think so either. Telling someone what I would do (in general) is not judgmental. Plus, we are human. Our advice comes from our experiences and beliefs. I'm pro-life, so my advice will involve pro-life avenues. I don't understand why this is an issue at all. No one has stepped over any boundaries in the least here.

Thank you all for your responses. I apologize if I unintentionally intitiated a pro life/pro choice argument. That was not the intention.

Just to answer some of the questions that were raised here-
Fellowship is always optional, I just don't want the option of not doing it. Being a foreign grad from a community hospital, it was extremely difficult for me to secure a spot, this was my 3rd and last time trying. My program director from residency will not give me any further letters if I leave this spot, so, I have never considered leaving the fellowship. I guess, I could talk to the program director, I am worried that he will ask me to hold off and reapply. I am okay with waiting a year or six months or starting on time and finishing late. I just do not want to lose this opportunity for good.

Reduction to singleton pregnancies is safe and is actually shown to have better outcomes than twin pregnancies. I don't think I was considering it, I guess I was looking for reassurance saying that it is okay, but I know no one can do that, I will try to talk to the program, stay well and hope for the best.

Once again, thank you all for the support.