Decision making in multifetal pregnancy reduction for triplets

The objective of this article is to examine the literature that forms the basis for counseling couples with higher order multiple gestation with regard to multifetal pregnancy reduction and present the data on expectant management of multiple gestations and multiple gestations managed with multifetal pregnancy reduction. The data sources for this article are computer-assisted search of the literature. Eighty-three articles, mainly published after 1989, and reporting on the natural history, management, and outcome of multifetal pregnancies, were reviewed. We analyze and present the data on expectant management of multiple gestations and multiple gestations managed with reduction to twins and then use the hypothetical patient-oriented questions listed below to organize the data. There is a general consensus that reducing triplets to twins results in significant secondary benefits: lower cost and fewer days in hospital and a decrease in a variety of moderate morbidities associated with prolonged hospitalizations and preterm delivery for mother and baby. However, it is not clear that couples are more likely to take home a healthy baby, if they undergo multifetal pregnancy reduction.