Why is there a dramatic drop in the birth of triplets

The recent data from the US and England by Wales Demonstrate shows a huge decrease in the rate of triplets birth . The comparison data portrays a striking change in trend from the 1980s.The report suggested that the probable reason is because people are opting out of multiple pregnancies and it also claimed that the new embryo transfer guideline and multifetal pregnancy reduction procedure which are in place now.


The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also shared the findings of dramatic drop in number of triplets born in the US in the past couple of years and the graph showed that following 1998, it grew in 2009 and by 2023, the number of triplets birth reduced to 73 out of 1,00,000 total births per year. Whereas, the highest in 2009 was 193 births out of 1,00,000 total births.

Why are parents avoiding multiple pregnancies?

The National Library of Medicine in a study revealed that the high order pregnancy (triplets or quadruplets) is associated with fetal problems like preterm birth, low birth weight, survival and long term morbidity and it has been suggested by experts in the medical field in reduction in the number of fetuses to reduce adverse neonatal outcomes .


The study also noted that women in pregnancy with triplets have higher gestational ages at delivery, lower rates of gestational diabetes, preterm labor and other complications. To reduce the risk of complications, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine issued a guideline in 2000 on treatments and procedures to reduce the number of fetuses when pregnancy with triplets occur.
Here's why there is a decrease in the number of triplets

The fertility treatments have advanced over the years and doctors have better control of the number of embryos implanted. Earlier when multiple embryos were implanted, often improved the success rate of twins or triplets. Today, advanced science has developed where single-embryo transfers have become common and has drastically reduced the chance of multiple births.


Also, with so many changes in the lifestyle of humans, multiple pregnancies are considered a risk for both the mother and babies and as it has an increased rate of complications, parents often avoid triplets and opt for single birth. With increase in mortality rates in the US, the American Societyfor Reproductive Medicine also tweaked its guideline to encourage single-embryo transfers, particularly for younger women or those with a good prognosis.