Triplet pregnancies

Fifteen triplet gestations delivered over 23 years beginning with 1954 are reviewed. The mortality rate was 7.1% in the gestation period of 28 weeks or more. This mortality rate compares favorably with the 15% to 50% rate reported in the literature. Among the third babies of each set, there was a mortality rate of 14.3%, again confirming the high mortality rate reported in the literature. Morbidity in triplet gestations was equally elevated. Although the data do not suggest what the best method of delivery is, the increased morbidity and mortality for the third baby of the set delivered vaginally implies that a more liberal use of cesarean section may reduce the potential risks for that baby. Also, among the eight cesarean sections performed in pregnancies at 28 weeks of gestation or more that have been reported in the literature, none of the babies died during the neonatal period.