- After three rounds of IVF, I successfully became pregnant with twins.
- Out of the three embryos that were transferred, two implanted and became my children, John and Ally.
- At 53 years old, I experienced high blood pressure and gave birth to the twins at 34 weeks.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kate Kearney. It has been edited for length and clarity.
As I ascended the weathered iron stairs in an inconspicuous building in Chinatown, I eagerly searched for the apartment number of the acupuncturist recommended by my IVF doctor. Once inside, I entered a vibrant and inviting office, checked in, and patiently awaited my turn. The acupuncturist called my name and guided me into the treatment room, where I disrobed, donned a robe, and reclined on the table.
At 53 years old, residing in Queens, New York, with my partner who desired children, I embarked on the journey of IVF. Despite already having two children from a previous marriage, Jet and Austin, aged 20 and 10 respectively, I agreed to try for more children to fulfill my partner’s wishes.
Moments later, the acupuncturist returned and explained the treatment process while delicately inserting tiny needles into my abdomen. I hoped that this procedure would increase my chances of carrying the fertilized eggs that were soon to be implanted by my IVF doctor, leading to a successful full-term pregnancy. This marked the third attempt my partner and I made at conceiving through IVF. The first endeavor ended unsuccessfully, while the second resulted in an ectopic pregnancy that required termination to save my life.
The joy of twin pregnancy
My next encounter with the acupuncturist occurred at an IVF clinic near Princeton. There, she performed a different procedure just minutes before my doctor implanted the fertilized eggs in my uterus. When the doctor eventually examined me, the news was resoundingly positive – I was pregnant.
Among the three eggs that were implanted, two flourished and developed into my beloved children, John and Ally. The swift rise in the numbers being monitored by my doctor immediately hinted at the presence of twins, filling me with excitement.
Throughout my pregnancy, I continued seeking acupuncture treatments in Chinatown to enhance the chances of success, despite the low success rate for women over 50. Encouraged by a doctor’s assurance that I could still carry children, I proceeded with unwavering confidence.
Early arrival of the twins
I took a year-long medical leave from my stressful job as an Assistant Public Defender to focus on nurturing my pregnancy. Thankfully, my pregnancy progressed without any major complications. Although my blood pressure slightly increased, it remained within an acceptable range. I managed to reach the milestone of 34 weeks, which is considered positive for twin pregnancies. While my twins were classified as “super preemies” since they needed a bit more time to grow, they were not in any immediate danger.
At the doctor’s request, I underwent a 24-hour urine test. I provided hourly urine samples while staying at the hospital. After analyzing the test results, the doctor determined that it was time for delivery. He entered my room while I was enjoying an apple and announced, “Don’t consume anything else. Today, we will deliver your babies!”
Courtesy of Kate Kearney
I remained in the hospital for five days following the delivery. I returned home with Ally, weighing three pounds and known as twin A. Meanwhile, John, weighing two pounds and referred to as twin B, stayed in the hospital for a couple more days. Today, he towers over me and is actively involved in sports.
My fulfilling life with the twins
In just one month, I will celebrate my 73rd birthday, while my twins will turn 20 in November. They recently completed their freshman years in college and both achieved spots on the Dean’s list. Since their birth, we have embarked on numerous adventures and explored various destinations. We have taken nature walks, visited museums, and embarked on far-flung vacations.
Undoubtedly, my children have kept me young, constantly challenging me. It has always been an enjoyable experience. During the summer between fourth and fifth grade, we embarked on a cross-country road trip from Long Island to Minnesota to visit relatives, before continuing to Oregon and finally reaching Huntington Beach, where my son Jet resided.
This journey proved cost-effective, as I qualified for a senior national park pass while my children, being under 12 years old, were granted free admission. Thus, we explored all the national parks using a $5 pass.
I have also instilled in my children a deep appreciation for music from the ’60s and ’70s, which was an important era in my life. They possess more knowledge about my generation’s music compared to their classmates.
In return, I have gained a wealth of insight into the music of their generation. A few years ago, they even took me to a Drake concert, which was an incredible experience. For my 70th birthday, Ally and John arranged a trip to the Woodstock Museum, celebrating my attendance at the Woodstock festival in 1969.
All in all, this journey with my twins has been incredibly special, and I am immensely grateful for the life-changing decision I made.
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