[Management of triple pregnancies]

A retrospective study of triplet pregnancies is presented. Data concerning 24 triplet pregnancies which were followed up to delivery and for a period of 11 years afterwards at the Maternity Center of the Antoine Beclere Hospital, are analysed. Early diagnosis of triplet pregnancy leads to a strong prognostic indication for prematurity. This allows time to institute preventive measures principally by reducing maternal physical activity. Because of the establishment of specific prenatal surveillance of the mothers, the rate of prematurity in triplet pregnancies be notably lowered. The mean gestational age at delivery was 33.9 weeks. The use of corticosteroid therapy between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation seems to helps prevent hyaline membrane diseases. Delivery is performed by elective cesarean section. The perinatal mortality rate was 6%.