What to expect when you're pregnant with triplets

Finding out you are expecting triplets

Finding out you are pregnant with triplets, quadruplets or more is sure to be one of the biggest surprises of your life. You are joining a very small group of families in the UK. Only a tiny proportion of births are triplets, and quads are even rarer.

It is completely normal to feel a mix of joy, shock, excitement and worry. You might feel thrilled one moment and anxious the next. This pregnancy will be different from a singleton pregnancy, and it is okay if that feels daunting.

You will not face it on your own. Support is available from your medical team, your midwife and families who already have twins, triplets or more. Many parents say that talking to others who truly understand is one of the most reassuring parts of this journey.

Specialist care and what your triplet pregnancy involves

Once your pregnancy is confirmed, your care should be referred to a fetal medicine unit for an early assessment. You should see a specialist consultant in your first trimester, even if your routine appointments stay at your local hospital.

At that first appointment your consultant will usually carry out detailed scans, confirm the type of pregnancy you have and explain any risks to you and your babies. They will also talk through how those risks can be monitored or reduced.

One topic that may be raised is selective reduction (LINK). It is standard practice for fetal medicine units to discuss this and the conversation can feel emotional or unexpected. The aim is to give you clear information so you can make informed decisions. Every family has different beliefs, needs and circumstances. Twins Trust supports families whatever they decide.

Your team will also explain how your triplets are sharing placentas and amniotic sacs. This is called placentation (LINK to page about placentation of triplets) and it affects how often you will have scans, which complications the team will look out for and whether you will stay under fetal medicine care.

Whatever type of triplet pregnancy you have, you can expect more frequent scans and appointments than someone expecting one baby. Your babies are also likely to be born prematurely, so many parents of triplets choose to start maternity leave earlier. Letting your employer know in good time can give you more flexibility later on.

Physically, your body is working very hard. Symptoms often feel stronger and start earlier. Many parents notice tiredness hits quickly and resting whenever you can becomes essential. Morning sickness can be more intense because of higher hormone levels, so speak to your midwife if you are struggling. You do not have to put up with feeling awful.

Your bump may grow fast and you might feel as if you are at full term long before you actually are. Backache, breathlessness and needing to slow down are all very common. You may feel hungrier and thirstier than usual as your body needs extra calories, protein and fluids to support three growing babies. Your team may check your iron and other nutrient levels more often.

Looking after yourself by eating well, resting often and accepting help when it is offered can make a real difference (LINK to healthy pregnancy pages).

Looking after your emotions and finding support

Even the most prepared parents describe big emotional swings during a triplet pregnancy. You might feel calm in one appointment and anxious in the next. Common feelings include:

• Overwhelm at the number of appointments and decisions
• Worry about premature birth or time in neonatal care
• Wondering how you will care for three newborns at once
• Guilt about sharing your time and attention between your babies
• Concerns about money, space at home or how much support you will have

These feelings are completely normal. Talking openly with your midwife, partner, trusted friends or a support organisation can make them feel more manageable. You do not have to carry everything on your own.

It can be especially comforting to connect with other triplet parents. They understand the unique mix of joy, worry and anticipation that comes with a higher-order multiple pregnancy.

Twins Trust offers a triplet-specific online community (LINK), online groups for expectant families (LINK), a free confidential helpline (LINK) and access to advice, webinars and information tailored to higher-order multiples (LINK). Reaching out to these communities can bring practical tips as well as reassurance that what you are feeling is shared by others.

Moving forward with your triplet pregnancy

Growing three babies is extraordinary. It is physically demanding, emotionally intense and deeply special. It is okay to take this one day, one appointment and one step at a time.

You may not always feel strong, but the way you keep turning up for your babies shows real resilience. Your love, along with good medical care and the right support, will help carry you all through this journey.

You might feel as if you are entering a world that very few people understand. Yet there are families who have been exactly where you are now and who want to share their experiences, ideas and encouragement.

You might be part of a very rare group of families, but you are never alone

Reaching out, asking questions and accepting support are all signs that you are doing your best for your babies. That is something to feel proud of!