When a woman gives birth to three babies from a single pregnancy, it is called triplet births or simply triplets. Triplets occur naturally in about 1 in every 10,000 pregnancies. However, with the rise in use of fertility treatments like IVF, the rate of triplet births has increased significantly over the past few decades. Delivering and raising triplets can be challenging but also rewarding for families.
Types of Triplet Pregnancies
There are two main types of triplet pregnancies:
Fraternal Triplets
Fraternal triplets occur when three separate eggs are fertilized by three separate sperm. Each baby develops independently in its own amniotic sac and placenta. They are no more alike than ordinary siblings born at different times. Fraternal triplets are the most common kind, making up about 80% of all natural triplet births.
Identical Triplets
Identical triplets come from a single fertilized egg that splits into three embryos. They share the same placenta and amniotic sac. Identical triplets look nearly alike and are always the same sex. They have the same genetic blueprint and DNA. Identical triplets are much rarer, accounting for only about 20% of natural triplet births.
Rates of Triplet Births
Here is a table showing the rates of triplet births per 100,000 live births in the United States over the past three decades:
| Year | Triplet Birth Rate |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 39.3 |
| 1990 | 104.8 |
| 2000 | 193.5 |
| 2010 | 153.4 |
| 2020 | 90.2 |
As the table shows, the rate of triplet births peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The rise was mainly attributed to the growing use of fertility treatments like IVF and ovarian stimulation drugs, which increase the chance of multiple babies. After peaking in the early 2000s, the triplet birth rate started to fall again as doctors became more conservative about implanting multiple embryos to avoid high-risk triplet pregnancies. However, even with the decline, the current triplet birth rate remains more than double what it was in 1980.
Risks of Triplet Pregnancies
Carrying and delivering triplets poses significant health risks for both the mother and babies. Some key risks include:
Preterm Labor and Low Birth Weight
The average pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks, but most triplet pregnancies are delivered between 32-35 weeks for health and safety reasons. Triplets are almost always born prematurely with lower birth weights, usually less than 5.5 pounds each. Prematurity and low birth weight increase the risk of health problems like respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, jaundice, and delayed development.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition that can develop during pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and damage to other organ systems. It occurs in at least half of triplet pregnancies and can become life-threatening for both the mother and babies if left untreated. Warning signs include high blood pressure, swelling in the hands and face, headaches, and vision changes.
Gestational Diabetes
Pregnant women carrying triplets have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes due to the placenta producing more hormones that interfere with insulin. If uncontrolled, gestational diabetes can cause the babies to grow extra large, increasing the risks during delivery.
Excessive Morning Sickness
Morning sickness from high hormone levels is common in all pregnancies. But carrying triplets magnifies symptoms like nausea and vomiting, sometimes leading to dehydration and weight loss. Some women require hospitalization for IV fluids and nutrition.
Postpartum Hemorrhage
After delivery, the overstretched uterus has difficulty contracting and closing off blood vessels that had supplied the placentas. This can lead to heavy bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage. Treatment may require medication, hospitalization, blood transfusions or other interventions to save the mother’s life.
Unique Challenges of Triplet Pregnancy
In addition to medical risks, having triplets creates other unique challenges during pregnancy:
Earlier Delivery
Most triplet pregnancies don’t go beyond 35 weeks and many are delivered at 32 weeks or earlier. This gives less time for the babies to grow and develop in utero.
Bed Rest
Women carrying triplets are often advised to go on bed rest or limit activity in the second and third trimesters to reduce strain on the body. This can lead to boredom, stress and depression.
More Frequent Doctor Visits
Expectant triplet moms need to visit their doctor more often to monitor development and watch for pregnancy complications. This results in more time off work and childcare for existing kids.
Cesarean Delivery
Vaginal delivery of triplets is considered too risky, so nearly all are delivered by scheduled C-section. Recovering from major abdominal surgery with newborn triplets can be extremely challenging.
Higher Costs
From medical bills to baby supplies, triplets cost significantly more than a typical singleton pregnancy and delivery. Insurance doesn’t always cover all NICU and treatment expenses.
Parenting Triplets
Here are some key factors for parents to manage when bringing home and raising triplets:
Feeding Triplets
Feeding three newborns is a huge task. Mothers may breastfeed them individually or pump milk for bottle feeding. Either way, expect to spend 4-6 hours per day feeding hungry triplets! Many parents find getting on a strict schedule essential. Having one parent handle feeding while the other handles diapering can save time and effort.
Sleep Deprivation
Forget uninterrupted sleep—most parents of newborn triplets survive on just short naps. Having family help with overnight feedings can provide a little relief. Sleep training triplets as early as possible also helps consolidate night sleep. But utter exhaustion is normal while triplets are infants.
Division of Labor
Caring for three babies leaves little time for anything else. Parents must communicate needs clearly and divide all childcare, household chores, and other responsibilities efficiently. Making daily checklists and game plans keeps everyone on track.
Lack of Free Time
Leisure time is nonexistent with infant triplets. Parents can’t just step out spontaneously like they could with a singleton. Planning outings takes monumental effort. It’s vital for parents of triplets to have occasional paid babysitters so they can have alone time and take care of themselves too.
Higher Expenses
From diapers and formula to clothing and childcare, everything costs 3x as much for triplets. Consider buying formula and diapers in bulk. Clothing and equipment can be purchased secondhand. Budget wisely and take advantage of any financial assistance programs.
Logistics and Organization
The key to maintaining sanity with triplets is having an organized system and daily routine. Use charts to track feeding, medications, naps, supplies and more. Create consistent schedules. Have designated changing stations, sleeping areas, and play zones to make handling three at once more manageable.
Isolation
Many parents feel cooped up and isolated those first few years because everyday errands with triplets can seem daunting. Connecting with other parents of multiples can provide needed support and companionship. Local multiples clubs and online groups are great resources.
Comparison and Competition
Parents should avoid comparing their triplet babies and allowing competition between them. Treat them as individuals, celebrate differences, and discourage comparisons. Refrain from labeling one as the smart, athletic or fussy one. Foster their unique identities.
Future Challenges
While the infant stage is physically toughest, parents of triplets face unique challenges as they grow like: higher daycare costs, carpools for three, managing their activities and school projects, preventing them from becoming a ‘triplet unit’, and affording college for three at once. Joining multiples groups helps navigate these scenarios as they come up.
Help and Support for Parents
Doctors and nurses can provide medical advice before and after triplet delivery. But connecting with other experienced parents of multiples is just as critical. Here are some valuable sources of support:
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Local Multiples Groups | Chapters exist nationwide to link parents of twins, triplets and higher-order multiples for playgroups, resources, hand-me-downs and friendship. |
| Online Forums | Connect with fellow triplet parents globally to swap advice and feel less alone in online communities. |
| Early Intervention Services | Government programs provide free in-home therapists to help identify and treat any developmental delays in triplet infants. |
| Nannies | Hiring a part-time nanny even just a few hours a week gives triplet parents a necessary break plus an experienced helper. |
| Meal Trains | Having family, friends or neighbors sign up to deliver meals helps avoid having to grocery shop and cook from scratch those first chaotic months. |
Don’t be afraid to ask for and accept help. Raising triplets is hard work even with a great support system. But parents who tap into all available resources find it manageable and extremely rewarding.
The Joys of Parenting Triplets
While undeniably challenging, raising triplets also comes with many happy rewards, including:
Built-in Playmates
Triplets have automatic best friends and playmates growing up. Though fights can occur, most triplets form a close lifelong bond and have more fun playing together.
Only Having to Do Everything 3 Times
Whether it’s potty training or college savings, parents only have to go through each milestone once for all three. Shopping and errands are consolidated too.
Great Multitasking Skills
The need to feed, change, correct, teach and supervise three babies simultaneously hones impressive multitasking talents. Triplet parents can tackle huge workloads.
Lots of Love to Go Around
While each triplet gets less individual time with parents, there is just so much love to give and go around with three new blessings to embrace.
The Triplet Bond
There is nothing quite like the lifelong bond between triplets. As higher-order multiples, they share a special understanding even when apart.
Adorable Stacked Ages
Triplets are often born smaller in size and you can stack their clothes season to season. It’s adorable seeing them wear the same outfits in progressive sizes.
Witnessing Every Milestone Times Three
While tiring, it’s also incredible getting to witness each of the triplets’ first smiles, steps and words three times over. Each developmental leap feels like a celebration.
Joy of Watching Them Grow Up Together
Sharing every childhood experience together from first days of school to family vacations is an amazing gift few siblings enjoy. Triplet bonds tend to remain strong into adulthood.
Part of a Special Club
Being parents of triplets makes you part of a unique club full of fellow parents who understand the endless challenges and rewards of raising high-order multiples.
Conclusion
Expecting and raising triplets is undoubtedly harder than a singleton pregnancy and birth. But with the right medical care, social support, organization, and most of all – teamwork between parents, it can be an incredibly meaningful, if not exhausting, adventure. While multiples come with sacrifices like time and sleep, the lifelong sibling bonds formed and watching three babies grow up together is a one-of-a-kind blessing. With planning, help and maintaining perspective, parents of triplets often report it is all worth it.