A review of triplet pregnancy

Nineteen sets of triplets were delivered in the National Maternity Hospital between January 1st 1980 and December 31st 1990 inclusive. Thirteen triplet pregnancies resulted from spontaneous ovulation and six from ovulation induction therapy for infertility. Management was conservative. Bed rest and home monitoring were not advised routinely and cervical cerclage and tocolytic agents were not used. Ten of the patients were delivered by caesarean section. The prematurity rate was 79% and five sets of triplets were delivered before 32 weeks gestation. The perinatal mortality rate was 35/1000. This reflects a general improvement in the obstetric and neonatal care of triplet pregnancy over the past decade.