Triplet pregnancy: What do we tell the prospective parents

Experience managing triplet pregnancies has increased over the past few decades as the incidence has changed related to assisted reproductive practices. Physicians caring for women carrying triplets cannot predict an individual outcome or pregnancy course but must educate patients about the challenges related to these high risk pregnancies. Obstetric providers can describe the wide range of risks associated with triplet gestations, and the general plan for management, but ultimately parents must make decisions with potentially lifelong consequences. Here, we present the diagnostic criteria, common complications, and management options for triplet pregnancies, to help obstetricians counsel patients on the medical and psychosocial consequences of triplet pregnancy, potential complications, and multifetal reduction.