Triplet pregnancies and their aftermaths. Part I: Basic considerations.
Until recently, triplets were an infrequent occurrence. With the development of ovulation-inducing medications and then assisted reproductive technology (ART), the triplet birth rate in maternal age ranges over 24 years has multiplied three- to fiftyfold. The first review of the clinical aspects of triplet pregnancies was published in 1988. Since then, more data reported on such births have revealed a consistent triad of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and very low birth weight, plus increased maternal risks. This article details comparative risks to mothers and children using population-based data comparing differential outcomes in singletons, twins, and triplets; an extensive review of recent triplet publications is provided in the references.
Keith
Louis
L
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Breborowicz
Grzegorz
G
D001723:Birth Rate / Q000639:trends; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008423:Maternal Age; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D044469:Racial Groups; D014310:Triplets / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology