Pregnancies conceived through assisted reproduction can present considerable management problems to the obstetric and paediatric staff. Multiple pregnancies are common. The complication of prematurity increases the morbidity and mortality rates of the neonates.
A retrospective study of nine consecutive cases of triplet pregnancy delivered at the University Hospital showed an incidence of one in 6,349 deliveries. In seven cases the diagnosis was suspected, and confirmed either by radiography or ultrasonography. Pre-eclampsia and polyhydramnios were common ante-natal complications. The perinatal mortality rate was 74 per thousand. Overall, the first triplet had the best outcome in terms of Apgar scores. There were no perinatal deaths in those cases that were delivered by Caesarean section.