Triplet pregnancy. A 10-year review of cases at Baragwanath Hospital.

A series of 61 triplet pregnancies delivered in the Baragwanath Hospital for the 10 years 1967 - 1976 is analysed, the incidence being 1 : 2 789 deliveries. The average maternal age was 29,6 years, and average parity 3,7; 60% had had adequate antenatal care, a figure significantly higher than that for the local normal pregnant population. The vast majority of the patients had vaginal deliveries, although the proportion of manipulative procedures was high. The duration of labour was strikingly short in most instances. The fetal outcome was impressively good, although somewhat better with the second triplet than with the other two. This indicates that, in spite of the recent tendency towards liberal use of caesarean sections in these patients, a careful and appropriate vaginal approach has its merits.