The outcomes of triplet pregnancies

Abstract

Introduction. Extensive use of assisted reproduction has resulted in an increased incidence of triplet pregnancies, which are associated with higher risk of complications in mothers and newborns. Material and Methods. A retrospective study reviewed a total of 85 triplet pregnancies delivered at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2017. Results. The average maternal age was 32 years and the average body mass index was 30.56 kg/m2. The average gestational age at birth was 32 weeks. One patient (1.18%) had vaginal delivery, while 84 (98.82%) pregnancies were completed by cesarean section. The average blood loss was 1294 ml and there was one postpartum hysterectomy. The most common maternal pregnancy-induced complications were sideropenic anemia (70.58%), hypertensive syndrome (40%) and obstetric cholestasis (35.29%). Preterm premature rupture of membranes was observed in 17 (20%) patients. Prophylactic cerclage was performed in 57 patients (67.05%) and 12 patients (14.11%) received tocolytic therapy. The average birth weight of the first newborn was 1838 g, 1755 g of the second, and 1695 g of the third. Body weight ? 1500 g was observed in 61 newborns (24.01%). The mean Apgar score in the first minute was 7, while in the fifth minute it was 8. Respiratory distress syndrome was found in 64 newborns (25.19%). Conclusion. Monitoring and treatment of triplet pregnancies remains a complex task for obstetricians due to the increased incidence of prematurity and perinatal morbidity.