It might seem to be impossible, but the conception of identical triplets is far from impossible. The chances of having them are certainly quite slim, but any couple who is trying to conceive as a chance of being black with identical triplets. There are numerous statistics that are quoted in regards to the conception of identical triplets, and the odds can vary quite greatly. Some quota figure that identical triplets can occur in one out of every 60,000 pregnancies. Others quote odds that are more in line with one out of every 200 million pregnancies.
Statistics on Identical Triplets
1. The estimated number of multiples that are living worldwide right now: 125 million.
2. Identical triplets exhibit almost identical brainwave patterns.
3. Just like twins, triplets are known to develop their own language that only they are able to understand.
4. When triplets are born naturally, the average time between the delivery of each child is 17 minutes.
5. The country with the highest rate of multiples is more identical triplets than anyone else is Nigeria.
6. As of 2004, about one and 34 children was born as a twin or a triplet in the United Kingdom.
7. Over 90% of triplet pregnancies are born prematurely and may have low birth weights as a direct consequence.
8. The average duration of a regular pregnancy when triplets have been conceived is 34 weeks.
9. The average birth weight for triplets is 4 pounds.
10. The average cost of a triplet pregnancy during the delivery is triple that of what a singleton pregnancy would be. Every child incurs the same delivery cost, even though the mother only has one stay at the hospital or delivery location.
11. Identical triplets are always of the same sex and blood type.
12. Although identical triplets will look similar, they do not always look exactly alike.
13. It is not uncommon for one identical triplets to be left-handed, while the other two are right-handed or vice versa.
14. Identical triplets are not related to race, age, or a family history of having multiple births.
15. There are about 7000 triplet births in the United States annually.
16. The chances of any mother having more than one baby at a time is about 3%.
17. The chances of having natural triplets occur: 1 in 8,100.
18. There is a direct link in the chances of having triplets as a mother grows older. This chance right by 4% at the age of 30 and another 5% at the age of 35.
19. Having identical triplets will automatically classify pregnancy as a high risk pregnancy.
20. Almost all multiple pregnancies are diagnosed in the first trimester by ultrasound.
21. Identical triplets have an 8% higher risk of having cerebral palsy found in one of the siblings.
22. There is a six times greater risk of perinatal mortality in triplets when compared to single birth pregnancies at 22 weeks gestation.
How Do Triplets Happen
It is true that most triplets come from three separate fertilized eggs. It is rare enough that one a will separate become to identical fetuses. Rarer still are the circumstances where identical triplets are formed, where one single egg is fertilized by one singles firm and the zygote quickly and then evenly divide into three separate zygotes. Unlike other forms of multiple births, identical triplets are not influenced by the taking of fertility hormones. Artificial hormones to increase the number of eggs that are mature to ovulation every month, but fertility treatments do not cause splitting of a fertilized egg.
It has been discovered that identical triplets may occur after a single embryo transfer that happens with the fertility assistance program. The very first instance of this happening occurred in 2008 and resulted in her giving birth to three identical boys. When this happens, all three share the same identical DNA, characteristics, gender, and features. Most mothers know that they are going to have multiples before their first ultrasound because there is an exaggerated level of pregnancy symptoms.
There is also some other interesting information regarding identical triplets that can be discovered in the statistics below. If you or someone you know is expecting to have triplets, then this is great information to have on hand.
Challenges of Having Triplets
If you ask the parents of multiples with the primary thing a stranger says to them is, you’ll get a response that is some version of “Boy! You’ve got your hands full!” It isn’t often said in a positive way.
The challenges of having identical triplets starts the pregnancy. Many people believe that these challenges disappear once the triplets are born, but this is simply not true. Identical triplets face multiple complications as a grow up. One of the most common issues that these children face are language and speech delays. Part of this comes from the fact that triplets tend to develop their own language. This occurs in up to 40% of families that have identical triplets. Another issue is purely centered on time. Two parents only have so much time to go around and with three children, each child receives less learning time than if there was just one child of that age in the home.
Another common issue that faces identical triplets are behavioral problems. Because there are three children fighting for apparent attention instead of just one common parent-child interactions can become more difficult. Families of identical triplets also face a number of social and financial consequences that are often unanticipated. People are enraptured with the idea of having triplets or other multiples, but when they see these family structures in public, they tend to have a negative reaction to them instead of a positive reaction.
This is why families with identical triplets need support. It is impossible to plan for identical triplets. It is something that happened spontaneously in 100% of pregnancies. These families can succeed, but sometimes they need a little help. That’s why knowing the statistics about identical triplets so that the negative stigma of these families can be removed is so important.