How rare is triplets?

Triplets are extremely rare, accounting for only about 0.1% of all births, with a frequency of 1 in 1000 births, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The occurrence of spontaneous triplets is even more rare, happening in approximately 1 in 7,000 pregnancies, with some data suggesting that the chances are as low as 1 in 10,000 pregnancies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Triplets

General Information About Triplets

1. What percentage of triplets survive?: Of triplet pregnancies, 98% of all babies born after 28 weeks gestation survive, although unexplained losses can occur at any time in the pregnancy.
2. Are triplets high risk?: Approximately 20% of triplet pregnancies result in one child having a life-long handicap of some sort, and preterm delivery means an increased risk that the baby’s lungs, eyes, brain, circulatory system, and intestinal system are not fully developed yet.
3. What gender is more common in triplets?: Data shows that male babies are slightly more common in triplet sets, with 58% of babies being male and 42% being female.

Triplets and Pregnancy

4. What are the signs of triplets pregnancy?: The first signs that you may be carrying more than one fetus include having extremely sore breasts, gaining weight quickly, or experiencing severe morning sickness.
5. How will I know if I’m pregnant with triplets?: Your healthcare provider may notice signs of more than one fetus during a prenatal checkup, and an ultrasound can confirm the presence of triplets.
6. What causes triplets?: The majority of triplets are trizygotic, formed when 3 separate eggs are fertilized by 3 separate sperm, and can be the same or opposite genders.

Types of Triplets and Their Occurrence

7. What are the 3 types of triplets?: Types of triplets include fraternal triplets, identical triplets, and mixed triplets, each with different formation mechanisms and characteristics.
8. Are triplets ever born naturally?: Giving birth to triplets or more vaginally is very rare and not recommended due to the higher risk of labour complications and infant mortality.
9. Do triplets have 3 umbilical cords?: Yes, all triplets, regardless of whether they are identical or fraternal, have their own umbilical cords.

Statistics and Risks Associated with Triplets

10. How common is it to have triplets naturally?: Spontaneous triplets occur in approximately 1 in 7,000 pregnancies, although the chances can be lower or higher depending on various factors.
11. What is the miscarriage rate for triplets?: The miscarriage rate for expectantly managed triplets is 25%, compared to 6.2% for triplets reduced to twins.
12. Are triplets becoming more common?: While the overall share and number of multiples are rising, there has been a decrease in births involving three or more babies in recent years.

Fertility and Triplets

13. How hard is it to get pregnant with triplets?: The odds of naturally conceiving with triplets are around 1 in every 10,000 births, but the likelihood increases significantly with fertility assistance and medication.
14. What increases chances of triplets?: You’re more likely to have triplets if there’s a maternal history of multiple pregnancies, and if you already have fraternal twins, you’re five times more likely to carry multiples in your next pregnancy.
15. What is the longest living triplets?: The Kirchner triplets, born in 1920, are believed to be the oldest identical living triplets in the United States, setting a remarkable record for triplet longevity.