[Obstetrical management of triplets. A series of forty five cases].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate management of triplet pregnancies.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 45 triplet pregnancies which occurred spontaneously or after assisted reproductive technologies. All were managed by the same obstetrical and pediatric team. Obstetrical data were collected.

RESULTS

Major etiologies were fertility drugs and in vitro methods (66%). Mean maternal age as 30 years, higher with assisted reproductive technologies (p < 0.05). Risks of chorioamniotitis, preeclampsia and anemia were respectively 4.4%, 13.3% and 70%. Triplets had a 100% prematurity rate and mean gestational age was 33.6 weeks; 22.2%, 51.1% and 64.4% delivered before respectively 32, 34 and 35 weeks of gestation. Triplet had a 91% cesarean section rate.

CONCLUSION

Triplet pregnancies present a high risk of prematurity and infertility specialists have to be vigilant in the use of fertility drugs. Their management requires early reduced maternal physical activity.