Maternal adjustment to a multiple birth

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Abstract
This study examines the reactions of 19 women expecting triplets. Fourteen of them gave birth to three live infants and were followed up after delivery. Home interviews and observations were conducted at 4 months and 1 year after birth. The findings indicate that the triplet situation constitutes a real source of psychological stress for the women in this study. During pregnancy, women are going through emotional trauma, both physically and psychologically with a high level of anxiety. After birth, the homecoming of three infants is a new source of strain. Clinical data examine the factors which played a role in the families’ ability to adapt to this crisis: type of conception, history of twins in the family, family support, attitudes towards the exceptional nature of a triplet birth. Preliminary descriptions of the early family relationships were reported.