Maternal and neonatal outcomes in triplet gestations by trial of labor versus planned cesarean delivery

Abstract

Objective

To determine the rate of vaginal delivery after vaginal trial of labor (TOL) among women with triplet gestations.

Study design

This is a retrospective cohort study of all women delivering a viable triplet gestation between 2005 and 2016. The primary outcome was rate of vaginal delivery among all women attempting vaginal delivery. Secondary outcomes included factors associated with undergoing triplet TOL, and maternal and neonatal complications by planned delivery approach.

Results

Of the 83 eligible women, 21 (25.3%) underwent TOL. A majority of these (57.1, 95% confidence interval 36.5–75.5%) achieved a vaginal delivery of all three triplets. Women who underwent TOL were more likely to be multiparous or to have spontaneous preterm labor. There were no differences in adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes by planned delivery approach.

Conclusions

The rate of vaginal delivery among women with triplet gestations is higher in this institution than in reported literature, without increased morbidity.

Keywords:

• Cesarean delivery
• trial of labor
• triplet gestation

Acknowledgements

The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

LMY is supported by the NICHD, K12 HD050121-11. Research reported in this publication was supported, in part, by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, grant Number UL1TR001422.