Since having triplets isn’t very common and people love to learn more about the experience, I really wanted to share the journey of my triplet pregnancy with you! In this post, I will take you through the weeks that I had scans, with some pictures and diagnosis. Every pregnancy is different, so keep in mind that the growth of my triplets will likely be different from yours.
I hope you find this post both informative and exciting to read, and if you have any questions about my journey, please let me know.
Although my pregnancy was uncomfortable and tiring, I was lucky. I didn’t have any major complications, no blood pressure problems or swelling in the extremities. I can’t say that I enjoyed my pregnancy though, because growing three babies at once isn’t easy!
In the last trimester, I can easily remember the sleepless nights, and the feeling of just wanting it to be over. At the same time, I knew that I wanted the triplets to stay inside as long as possible. What a contradiction!
When people would say, “enjoy your pregnancy,” I felt like it didn’t exactly apply to me. It wasn’t like I could relax, go shopping, preparing things, buy cute infant clothes… the list of impossible tasks goes on! However there was one thing I did enjoy: I always looked forward to my prenatal scans, and the ability to see how big the triplets had grown. I bet every mother is the same in that regard!
Triplet Gestational age
7 Weeks
This was the first time I met my obstetrician. I was prescribed medicine for nausea, and I was told to remain on my medicine and vitamins until a review at ten weeks.
I was also told to see a dietitian for dietary advice. We discussed the various risks of a triplet pregnancy, and the option to TFMR (Termination for Medical Reasons), which we declined. I also had a full blood test at this appointment.
8 weeks + 6 days
I had some bleeding, so I went for a scan.
Diagnosis:
The medical record from this scan reads: Live intrauterine pregnancy. Fetal heart action present. All three fetuses have limb buds and appear normal. No intrauterine clot. Normal looking fetuses. No cause for the bleeding found.
Basically, this meant that I had a live pregnancy which had implanted in my uterus (not in any tubes), and that all three of the babies had heart beats and limb buds, and appeared normal. There were no clots found in the scan, so they didn’t find any actual cause for the bleeding. This can be common in any pregnancy, even for single babies.
11 weeks
I had an additional scan.
Diagnosis:
Live intrauterine pregnancy. Normal looking fetuses.
This scan just showed that the babies still looked normal and they were all doing fine in the womb.
13 weeks
When I hit 13 weeks, I was given the NT (Nuchal Translucency) scan, that could show risks of fetal abnormality.
For each fetus:
Nasal bone present. Fetal anatomy: skull/brain appears normal, heart appears normal, spine appears normal, abdomen appear visible, hands both visible, feet both visible.
Diagnosis:
All three fetuses: Normal looking fetuses at 13 weeks with a low risk for aneuploidy.
This scan went well, and it showed that my triplets were not at a major risk for chromosomal abnormalities. Each baby had the appearance of normal looking organs, and they all had visible limbs!
16 weeks
At 16 weeks I had an Anomaly Scan.
For each fetus:
Heart action present. Fetal movements visible. Amniotic fluid: normal. Cord: 3 vessels. Placenta: posterior high.
Fetal anatomy:
The following were visualized and appear normal:
Head, brain, face, spine, neck and skin, chest, four-chamber view and great vessels, abdominal wall, gastro-intestinal tract, kidneys and bladder, extremities, skeleton
Diagnosis:
Fetus 1: Normal looking fetus, Normal Growth – smallest of the triplets and female
Fetus 2: Normal looking fetus, Normal Growth – male
Fetus 3: Normal looking fetus, Normal Growth – female
This scan showed that I was having two girls and one boy! Each of the babies looked normal, from all organs to extremities to skeletons. Also, the umbilical cords looked good and I had a good amount of fluid present . My placenta was posterior and high in the womb.
20 weeks
On this week, I had another Anomaly Scan.
For each fetus:
Heart action present. Fetal movements visible. Amniotic fluid: normal. Cord: 3 vessels.
Fetal anatomy:
The following were visualized and appear normal:
Head, brain, face, spine, neck and skin, chest, four-chamber view and great vessels, abdominal wall, gastro-intestinal tract, kidneys and bladder, extremities, skeleton
Diagnosis:
Normal looking fetuses
Overall, the babies looked great and no issues were found!
23 weeks
When I was 23 weeks along, I had a Fetal Wellbeing Scan.
For each fetus:
Heart action present. Amniotic fluid: normal. Active fetus.
Diagnosis:
Fetus 1: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 494g (1lb 1 oz). The EFW is on the 25th%
Fetus 2: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 610g (1lb 5 ozs). The EFW is on the 70th%
Fetus 3: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 543g (1lb 3 ozs). The EFW is on the 45th%
These scans showed me that again, the triplets were developing normally. I was told that the babies were between the 25th and 70th percentile for growth, so they were all within a normal range, which is always good news.
26 weeks
At 26 weeks I was given another Fetal Wellbeing Scan. This time they did not give me any scan pictures.
For each fetus:
Heart action present. Amniotic fluid: normal. Active fetus.
Diagnosis:
Fetus 1: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 772g (1lb 11 ozs). The EFW is on the 20th%. Low lying posterior placenta.
Fetus 2: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 951g (2lbs 2 ozs). The EFW is on the 70th%
Fetus 3: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 809g (1lb 13 ozs). The EFW is on the 35th%
By this time, the triplets had all gained some weight and were nearing, or just over, 2 pounds each.
28 weeks
At 28 weeks and I had another Fetal Wellbeing Scan.
For each fetus:
Heart action present. Amniotic fluid: normal. Active fetus.
Diagnosis:
Fetus 1: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 1015g (2lbs 4 ozs). The EFW is on the 20th%. Posterior placenta praevia.
Fetus 2: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 1419g (3lbs 2 ozs). The EFW is on the 80th%
Fetus 3: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 1100g (2lbs 7 ozs). The EFW is on the 40th%
Baby two had a growth spurt and was now up to the 80th percentile for estimated fetal weight! All three triplets looked great.
30 weeks
At 30 weeks gestation I had another Fetal Wellbeing Scan.
For each fetus:
Heart action present. Amniotic fluid: normal. Active fetus.
Diagnosis:
Fetus 1: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 1330g (2lbs 15 ozs). The EFW is on the 20th%.
Fetus 2: Biophysically well fetus with some growth slowing. Est. fetal weight 1596g (3lbs 8 ozs). The EFW is on the 60th%. Inaccurate measurements due to this fetus being posterior to fetus 3. However, there appears to be some growth slowing.
Fetus 3: Biophysically well fetus with some minor growth slowing. Est. fetal weight 1301g (2lbs 14 ozs). The EFW is on the 20th%
At this appointment we became aware that there was some slowing in the growth of fetus two and fetus three. It was hard to get accurate measurements due to their positioning. At this point all three babies are just about 3 lbs.
32 weeks
At this appointment I was roughly 8 months pregnant. I had another Fetal Wellbeing Scan, but no scan pictures.
Fetal Wellbeing Scan. No scan pictures.
For each fetus:
Heart action present. Amniotic fluid: normal. Active fetus.
Diagnosis:
Fetus 1: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 1723g (3lbs 13 ozs). The EFW is on the 30th%.
Fetus 2: Biophysically well fetus with normal growth. Est. fetal weight 1913g (4lbs 3 ozs). The EFW is on the 50th
Fetus 3: Biophysically well fetus with some minor growth slowing. Est. fetal weight 1728g (3lbs 13 ozs). The EFW is on the 30th%
This scan showed that all the babies were still doing good, and they were all just about 4 lbs. In weight.
33 weeks + 2 days
I gave birth this day! We had originally aimed to have the surgery at 34 weeks gestation. However, due to a long public holiday weekend and the uncertainty of the situation, I decided I would rather have my doctor deliver the triplets than the weekend cover doctor. We moved the surgery date up just a few days to prevent that from happening.
Breech presentation (known prior to labour – elective caesarian).
Outcome:
Live birth.
We happily announced the triplets’ arrival that morning.
Triplet 1 : Born 1815g (4 Ib 0 ozs)
Triplet 2 : Born 2510g (5 Ib 8 ozs)
Triplet 3: Born 1855g (4 Ib 1 oz)
The triplets were just fantastic, with no need for Intensive Care. All three went straight into regular nursery incubators to keep them warm for a while, then went into cots over the next two days. I stayed in hospital for six days & the bubs stayed for four weeks. Read about the birth of the triplets here.
Triplet Pregnancy Belly
20 Weeks
26 Weeks
27 Weeks
28 Weeks
30 Weeks
31 Weeks
32 Weeks
33 Weeks
Thank you for following along on my pregnancy journey. If you are pregnant with triplets, how is your pregnancy going so far? Do you have any complication? Did you do a 3D or 4D ultrasound scan to get a better view of your babies? If you would like, please share your experience in the comments below. As always, thank you for reading my post, and I hope you enjoyed the story of my triplet pregnancy!
Thank you for sharing!
Really fascinating and what a blessing that your babes didn’t need to be in the NICU after birth.
Thank you Allie.
Thanks for your story I am going to be a grandmother of triplets she is 8 weeks and 5 days.
You’re welcome Deanna. Congratulations on the great news, just wonderful!
Wow!! Thank you for sharing your story.am 14wks pregnant with triplet (my first pregnancy). My doctors want me to have cervical cerclage even when my cervix is normal, saying it’s preventive. Did you have your cervix tied?
Hi Elaine,
Sorry for the late reply. No, I didn’t have it done. I guess you could have the opinion double checked with a second or third doctor so that you feel comfortable.
Regards,
Chutima
Hi im 16wks pregnant with triplets.did u do a job those days or not??because im doing a job right now and my doctor says that at the 3rd trimester i won’t be able to do that.
Hi Chamma,
At 26 weeks, I had significant weight gain (+20kgs) and the resultant fatigue set in. It was really hard for me to walk as I was often short of breath. I needed to sit down after walking a few steps. And so I had bedrest after that until delivery. I guess everyone is different and it’s best to listen to your body and your doctor. I did not work throughout the whole pregnancy.
Best of luck,
Chutima
Thank you chutima..
Hi!
Am so glad I found your page. I’m pregnant with triplets at 22 weeks. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Hi! Congratulations! It is an exciting time. My GBG triplets are 5. Time flies! Keep a diary as it is good to look back on and also to help remember things. Enjoy the waiting time!
Hi,
I am at 29 weeks too expecting triplets. I will like to know why your babies stayed at the hospital for 4 weeks even without being in NICU . Also, i am on cerclage , will that help in longer gestational period as i want nothing less than 34 weeks? Thanks
Hi, Congratulations on your pregnancy. The main reason my triplets stayed for 4 weeks in the special care nursery was for them to be able to eat by themselves (instead of tube feed). When they were able to suck the bottles (or breastfeed) then we could go home. My triplet#3 developed at a slower pace than her siblings otherwise we could have gone home at 3weeks.
As for the cerclage question, I’m sorry I don’t know the answer. It’s best to discuss this with your doctor. I hope thing are going well with you.
Hi!
Congrates for your successful triplets. I am 20 weeks pregnant with triplets. two weeks before i took my anamoly scan which showed that there was type 3 placenta prevea… is this become normal?
Hi Shafi,
Congratulations on your triplets pregnancy! I’m sorry I cannot answer your question. It’s best to discuss this with your doctor.
Best of luck.
Chutima
Hi
I’m pregnant with triplets
How will i know the labor day? Coz the doctor told he will do a c section?
And how about the baby bag for each baby how many cloth?
Hi Dal,
Congratulations! Hope you are feeling well. The average gestational period (length of pregnancy) of a triplet delivery is about 33 weeks, although some do progress to 40 weeks. Many moms of triplets deliver by Cesarean section, but there are a few who may deliver vaginally. Either way, make sure you have clear communication with your doctor who should be able to tell your labour day. Read this article for more info. Anticipating Your Delivery And Recovery Time With Triplets
You might find the following articles helpful in regards to preparing for triplets.
Pregnant with Triplets – What to Prepare?
Essential Baby Gear for Triplets
Best wishes,
Chutima
I’m pregnant with triplets, found out three weeks ago when I went to emergency room. I had some bleeding. then instead of telling me what caused the bleeding, after and ultrasound, u was told I am carrying three babies, what a shock. I was given an OBGYN. I saw her the following day. for my condition, I’m always tired, weak, no appetite, always spitting, ohh, my God. it’s not easy
Hi Margerita,
Sorry to hear that. Me neither! It wasn’t easy. Please take it day by day. Your Obgyn knows the best. I hope you can hang in there. It will be well worth it when you see your three little sweethearts! All the best Margerita.
Chutima