Expecting Triplets

The definition of a ‘multiple pregnancy’ is when a woman is pregnant with more than one baby.

Although you might feel quite isolated if you’ve just found out you’re expecting not one, or even two, but three babies, the number of cases of twins and triplets has risen substantially over the years, mainly due to increased use of fertility drugs and IVF. Fortunately, better standards of neonatal care gives these babies a higher chance of survival.

Triplets are most likely to occur naturally if two eggs are fertilized and one splits in two, or if three separate eggs are fertilized.
Identical triplets – where a single egg splits into three – is extremely rare. Most triplets are conceived via IVF.

Your pregnancy

If you’re pregnant with triplets you’ll probably be categorized as high risk. Don’t panic – this doesn’t mean that you’ll definitely experience complications, but you will have to be carefully monitored during your pregnancy to reduce any potential risks. You’re more vulnerable to severe morning sickness, heartburn, high blood pressure and diabetes.

You and your babies will be closely monitored to ensure all is well – it’s likely you’ll see a perinatalogist (maternal-fetal medicine specialist) with triplet experience. Don’t be concerned by the fact you’ll be expected to have more checks than a mom who’s expecting just the one baby – this is perfectly normal and is due to the fact that your blood pressure is more likely to rise sooner than it would if you were carrying one baby. Also, your babies’ development needs to be checked frequently, as there isn’t as much room for them to grow.

As with all moms-to-be, you should follow a healthy diet, eating plenty of whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables. You’ll need to eat more than if you were expecting a singleton but steer clear of fatty, high-sugar foods that pile on extra weight you don’t need. As with any pregnancy, you should cut out alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine, Stay well clear of family and friends who snoke or ask them not to do it around you.

You should try to get as much rest as possible. You may decide, or be advised, to give up work sooner than you would were you having just one baby. Get as much sleep as you can, with lots of early nights and a nap during the day, and if you have other children see if grandparents or friends can babysit occasionally, so you get a break. When you’re resting, lay on your left side, not your back – this helps increase blood flow to your heart and through your placenta to your little ones.

Your birth

Expect your triplet pregnancy to be shorter than the standard 40 weeks – around 32-36 weeks is typical. Birthweight for a triplet is also significantly lower than for a single baby – a typical triplet weighs around four pounds, whereas a single baby usually weights double that.

You’ll need to have a hospital birth, and since vaginal birth is very rare with triplets you can expect your babies to be delivered by cesarean section. When you’re choosing your OB-GYN, make sure they have admitting privileges at the closest hospital to you with a a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that can care for all three of your babies without one or more having to be transferred elsewhere.

After the birth

Once your babies arrive, you’ll be more vulnerable to anemia, exhaustion and postpartum depression than many other new moms. Continue to eat healthfully and get as much rest as is possible – whenever your babies are asleep, you should be too. Accept offers of help whenever you can – you need to simplify things for yourself. Don’t be too proud to ask for anything from your family – you may have financial concerns, feel isolated or be worried about the strain three new babies will put on your relationship with your partner. Talk through your feelings with those closest to you.

Although it might seem daunting, it is possible to breastfeed triplets but it’s rare to produce enough breast milk for three babies, so you might need to top them up with formula. While it’s possible to nurse twins simultaneously, you’ll need to feed your triplets separately.

It’s also possible to get your triplets into a routine fairly easily, if you’re disciplined. Share the responsibility with your partner whenever possible, so one of you bathes while the other one feeds and vice versa. ??

You’ll find parenting triplets much easier as your babies get older. They’ll play together and amuse each other while you do chores or grab a cup of coffee, and it’ll be wonderful to see their individual personalities emerging.

Why not get in touch with other parents of triplets by joining our triplets group. Also see our features on twins, multiple births and breastfeeding twins.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.