What To Know About Triplet Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a very exciting process. Thousands of feelings surface, including illusion and fear. The latter is increased when we discover that we are not only expecting one child, but two or more. However, we are aware that a pregnancy with triplets or twins is not without risks.

A gestation process characterized by the presence of several embryos does not have to be alarming. It is true that at first it can be shocking, but after the initial shock, the joy of having several babies running around the house is indescribable.

Unfortunately, the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery increases, especially if there are more than two. It is important to see your doctor regularly, as a triplet pregnancy can cause some problems.

What risks are there in triplet pregnancy?

Preterm labor is very likely. Nausea and discomfort are stronger than in a normal pregnancy and there is also a great risk of miscarriage. Cesarean section may need to be performed, and the process may be more painful than usual.

In turn, there is a greater risk in the pregnant woman of suffering from gestational or pre-pregnancy diabetes. Anemia is common and it is quite normal for total rest to be recommended during the third trimester. In triplet pregnancy, the doctor usually prescribes corticosteroids to accelerate the development of the babies’ lungs, in addition to other associated medications.

The process takes an average of 34 weeks, and medical check-ups are usually more common than normal. The mother’s health must be kept intact.  Triplet pregnancy is considered high risk, so both mother and babies can be negatively affected.

Are there any predisposing factors to a triplet pregnancy?

Genetics play an important role here. If similar cases have occurred in the family of the father or mother, it is likely that it could happen again. The positive part is that you can turn to the advice of people who have already been through it. It is not very common to experience a multiple pregnancy, so mothers who have had one will understand you better than those who have gone through a normal one.

However, there have been some studies linking triplet pregnancy to non-genetic factors. Some are internal, such as age, but others are external, such as the use of certain contraceptives.

Using the contraceptive pill

There are numerous cases of women who claim to have experienced a pregnancy of triplets or twins after stopping the pill. It is not known exactly why this occurs, as there are not enough studies. What is true is that any hormonal treatment can alter our own body in unimaginable ways.

Fertility treatments

Women who have undergone fertility treatments are at increased risk of multiple pregnancy. In vitro fertilization or artificial insemination are alternatives that are often surprising due to their (too) good performance.

Mother’s age

If the pregnancy occurs after 35, the probability of a double ovulation is higher. It also increases the risk of pregnancy problems, especially if you decide to become a mother after age 40.

Several previous pregnancies

If the woman has been a mother several times before, the possibility of having a triplet pregnancy increases. It does not have to happen in all cases, of course, but it is a factor to take into account.

The race

There are more probabilities of having a triplet pregnancy depending on the race to which we belong. First, there are black women, followed by white women. They are followed by Hispanics and, finally, Asians, whose percentage of having a triplet pregnancy is negligible compared to the former.

Be that as it may, bringing a child into the world is a blessing. Even if we are scared, it is very important that we remain calm and try to relax. In this kind of pregnancy we must take care of ourselves more than ever.