Twenty-six triplet pregnancies: a retrospective analysis.

METHODS

Twenty-six triplet pregnancies were delivered over 6 years.

RESULTS

Over 80% of pregnancies resulted after infertility treatment (21/26). Mean maternal age was 32. On average, the infants were delivered after 32 + 0 weeks; in 4 cases delivery was at <28 weeks. In 1 case, the leading triplet was delivered spontaneously, the remaining babies by Caesarean. Main indications for Caesarean were: premature membrane rupture, premature contractions, maternal hospitalisation for foetal lung maturation/tocolysis/antibiotics. Mean birth weights were (triplet I-III): 1,730, 1,630 and 1,550 g. Hydrops fetalis and renal agenesis resulted in IUFD of the leading triplet in two cases. All newborns were cared for by neonatology.

CONCLUSIONS

Triplet pregnancies are challenging for all specialities involved. They should be managed from an early stage in cooperation with an experienced centre, allowing outpatient care for as long as possible if there are no complications. This also has a cost-reducing impact.