Although it is possible to deliver triplets naturally, almost all women prefer delivering triplets via Cesarean section. This greatly reduces the risk of babies getting caught in umbilical cords and strangling during labor. Most doctors these days do not even give the option of a natural delivery since so many things have to occur for the delivery to go smoothly.
With a triplet pregnancy, there is a greater chance of preterm labor, or labor that occurs before 37 weeks. Preterm babies have a lower birth weight. The average weight of a triplet is 3 pounds, 12 ounces, which is half the weight of the average single newborn (7 pounds, 6ounces). More than a third of triplets weigh less than 3 pounds, 3 ounces at birth. Less than 3 pounds, 3 ounces is called very low birth weight. Being very low birth weight places these tiny babies at much greater risk of long-term disabilities and of death in the first year of life, compared to a single newborn. These deaths are usually the result of prematurity, low birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome (severe breathing problems), birth defects, and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
A substantial amount of triplet pregnancies end with delivery at 32 weeks. At that point, the babies may have a low birth weight but still be quite healthy. Preterm babies may have trouble breathing on their own and often can’t regulate their body temperature. These conditions correct themselves as babies grow, but during the first few weeks it’s often necessary for preemies to stay in a neonatal intensive care unit. Once the babies are strong enough to survive on their own, they’ll be sent home with you. Generally, once a baby reaches 5 pounds and has no medical complications, that baby will be allowed to go home. It is rare that all three babies will go home at the exact same time.
During delivery, the delivery room will be crowded! Most triplet pregnancies are preterm (premature), approximately four to eight weeks early (32-36 weeks of gestation). A planned cesarean section delivery of triplets has probably not even been scheduled yet!
A triplet pregnancy is high risk and you should be receiving prenatal care from a perinatalogist (maternal-fetal medicine specialist) with triplet experience. You should deliver in a tertiary-care hospital that can care for several preterm (premature) newborns at the same time without having to transfer your babies to another hospital when they are born.
Although triplets are a triple blessing, carrying three babies where there is usually one will be very difficult for your body. Starting in the second trimester (13-27 weeks), you will spend most of your time eating, drinking, and resting. And no matter how stressful or difficult the triplet pregnancy is, it does not compare to the task ahead: caring for three very needy, fragile newborns at the same time. While you are resting, it might be a good idea to arrange for others to help you after delivering triplets.
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