Pregnant with triplets

A triplet pregnancy involves three babies growing at the same time and needs specialist monitoring because of the high risk of premature birth, growth differences, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and complications when babies share a placenta. Follow your maternity team's direct emergency plan and call an ambulance for collapse, heavy bleeding, a seizure or severe breathlessness.

• Common early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, tiredness, tender breasts and frequent urination may be stronger, but do not prove that you are expecting triplets.
• The abdomen usually grows faster, and breathlessness, back or pelvic pain, reflux and sleep problems may start earlier.
• Attend every check-up and keep the direct numbers of your maternity team, birth centre and HAP 9252 easy to find on your phone.
• Eat a varied diet with enough protein and energy. Discuss persistent vomiting, weight loss or supplements with the team rather than taking high doses yourself.
• Call your midwife or obstetric unit immediately for bleeding, leaking fluid, regular painful tightenings or downward pressure before the planned birth.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.