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“I really want to have both kids at once, it will be cheaper”
When people think about surrogacy, it’s natural to hope for the “best chance” of success with each embryo transfer. For many, this has meant transferring more than one embryo at a time. But while this can increase the chance of pregnancy, it also significantly raises the risks—for the surrogate, for the babies, and for the intended parents.
At KinPath Surrogacy, we believe in guiding our clients with honesty and experience. And in this case, I speak not only as the Founder of KinPath but also from my own personal journey and hard lessons learned.
My Personal Experience with a Twin Pregnancy
Thirteen years ago, I made the decision to transfer multiple embryos to a surrogate without fully understanding the risks. The result was a twin pregnancy.
At first, it felt like a blessing—two babies on the way. But the pregnancy quickly became complicated. The twins were born prematurely at 32 weeks. They spent four weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and one of them needed life-saving surgery just two days after birth. Today, one of my twins continues to face long-term health challenges, including asthma and allergies that have been difficult to manage.
This experience taught me, in the most personal way possible, that twin pregnancies are never just “double the joy.” They carry real, lasting risks.
Why Twin Pregnancies Are High-Risk
- Premature birth – Over half of twins are born before 37 weeks, and many (like mine) before 34 weeks. Prematurity brings complications for breathing, feeding, brain development, and long-term health.
- Increased medical complications for the surrogate – Higher rates of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and delivery complications.
- Higher NICU admission rates – Twins often need intensive medical care at birth, which can be emotionally and financially draining for parents.
- Long-term health risks for the children – Asthma, allergies, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays are more common in twins born prematurely.
KinPath’s Policy: One Embryo at a Time
Because of these risks, KinPath almost always permits the transfer of only one embryo at a time to our surrogates. This policy protects everyone involved:
- The surrogate – reducing unnecessary medical risk.
- The babies – giving them the best chance for a healthy start in life.
- The parents – avoiding the heartbreak and stress that can follow a complicated pregnancy.
The Rare Exception: Double Embryo Transfers
There are some rare cases where a double embryo transfer may be considered. For example:
- When embryos are low-graded
- When embryos have not undergone PGT (genetic) testing
- When they are the last remaining embryos for the parents
Even then, this decision is made only with the agreement of the fertility doctor and the surrogate. Our approach is always careful, responsible, and guided by medical expertise.
Final Thoughts
Surrogacy is a journey filled with hope, emotion, and dreams of building a family. At KinPath, our mission is to make that journey as safe as possible.
My personal experience with twins taught me that “more” is not always better. A healthy, safe pregnancy—most often with one baby at a time—should always be the priority.
If you are considering surrogacy, I encourage you to discuss embryo transfer options openly with your doctor and with our team at KinPath. Together, we will help you make the decision that balances hope with safety, ensuring the best possible outcome for everyone involved.
