What to Know About Triplet Pregnancies

The news of a multiple pregnancy always brings joy to any expectant mother. However, triplet pregnancies aren't without risks.
What to Know About Triplet Pregnancies

Last update: 20 April, 2022

Pregnancy is a very exciting process. Thousands of feelings rise to the surface, including excitement and fear. The latter is heightened when we discover that we’re expecting not just one child, but two or more. However, we’re aware that triplet pregnancies aren’t without risks.

A gestation process characterized by the presence of several embryos need not be alarming. It’s true that at first, it can be shocking, but once the initial shock is over, the joy of having several babies running around the house is indescribable.

Unfortunately, the risk of complications during gestation and delivery increases, especially if there are more than two babies. It’s important to see your doctor regularly, as triplet pregnancies can cause some problems.

What are the risks of triplet pregnancies?

Premature delivery is very likely. Nausea and discomfort are more severe than in a normal pregnancy, and there’s also a high risk of miscarriage. A cesarean section may be necessary, and the process may be more painful than usual.

Triplet baby boys.

In turn, there’s an increased risk of gestational or pregestational diabetes in the mother. Anemia is common and it’s quite normal for total rest to be recommended during the third trimester. In triplet pregnancies, the doctor usually prescribes corticosteroids to accelerate the development of the baby’s lungs, in addition to other associated medications.

The process lasts an average of 34 weeks, and medical check-ups are usually more frequent than usual. The mother’s health must remain intact. Triplet pregnancies are considered high-risk, so both mother and babies can be adversely affected.

“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”

-Sophia Loren

Are there any predisposing factors for triplet pregnancies?

Genetics plays an important role here. If similar cases have occurred in the mother’s or father’s family, it’s likely that it can happen again. On the positive side, you can turn to the advice of people who have been there before. It’s not very common to experience multiple pregnancies, so mothers who have had one will understand you better than those who have gone through a normal one.

However, there have been some studies that link triplet pregnancies to non-genetic factors. Some are internal, such as age, but others are external, such as the use of certain contraceptives.

Use of the birth control pill

There are numerous cases of women who claim to have experienced a triplet or twin pregnancy after stopping the pill. It’s not known exactly why this happens, as there aren’t enough studies. What’s certain is that any hormonal treatment can alter our bodies in unimaginable ways.

Triplet newborn babies.

Fertility treatments

Women who have undergone fertility treatments suffer an increased risk of multiple pregnancies. In vitro fertilization or artificial insemination are alternatives that often surprise us with their (too) good performance.

The age of the mother

If pregnancy occurs after 35, the likelihood of double ovulation is higher. It also increases the risk of gestational problems, especially if you decide to become a mother after the age of 40.

Several previous pregnancies

If the woman has been a mother several times before, the possibility of having a triplet pregnancy increases. It doesn’t have to happen in all cases, of course, but it’s a factor to take into account.

Race

There are more chances of having a triplet pregnancy depending on the race to which we belong. Black women come first, followed by white women. They’re followed by Hispanics and finally Asians, whose percentage of having a triplet pregnancy is tiny compared to the former.

In any case, bringing a child into the world is a blessing. Even if we’re scared, it’s very important to stay calm and try to relax. In this kind of pregnancy, we must take care of ourselves more than ever.

 


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.