triplés

Triplés refers to three offspring born from the same pregnancy, commonly called triplets. The term is used in several languages, including French, where triplés is the plural form of the noun for a group of three siblings. A triplet pregnancy can involve different patterns of zygosity: monozygotic triplets (one fertilized egg splits into three), dizygotic triplets (three separate eggs fertilized by three sperm), or a mixed arrangement such as two identical due to one split and a third fraternal embryo. Monozygotic triplets are very rare; dizygotic triplets are more common in conceptions influenced by fertility treatments or certain population factors.

Natural occurrence of high-order multiples is rare, but assisted reproductive technologies have increased their frequency. Risk factors for triplet pregnancies include maternal age, use of fertility drugs, and a family history of multiple gestations. Triplet pregnancies carry higher risks for both mother and babies compared with singleton pregnancies, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased need for neonatal care. Mothers face elevated risks of conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, as well as anemia and bleeding. The placental and amniotic arrangements can vary, with some triplets sharing placentas or amniotic sacs, which influences monitoring and risk.

Prenatal care for triplets emphasizes frequent ultrasound surveillance to assess growth and chorionicity/amnionicity, specialized delivery planning, and often delivery by cesarean section, typically in the late preterm or early term period depending on fetal and maternal status. Advances in obstetric and neonatal care have improved survival and outcomes, but triplet pregnancies remain more complex and riskier than singleton pregnancies.

See also: high-order multiple birth, assisted reproductive technology, perinatal care.