​In recent weeks, BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre (BCWH) providers were excited to welcome an influx of multiple infant births from late April through to early May. Providers delivered an incredible nine sets of twins, and two sets of triplets from April 26 through to early May. One of the triplet births was managed successfully without a caesarian section, a rare practice for triplet births that requires significant obstetrics expertise, and three dedicated neonatal intensive care unit resuscitation teams.

While some multiple infant pregnancies occur due to genetic and other factors, as fertility treatment has become more advanced, the overall incidence of multiple infant births has increased across BC and Canada. Throughout 2023, BCWH welcomed 106 sets of twins and 4 triplet births. However, recording this number of multiple births in recent weeks, including a  non-cesarean triplet delivery, is not an every day event for BCWH's experienced obsetricians.

Dr. Dena Bloomenthal, a BCWH obstetrician, delivered the majority of the multiple birth deliveries at the hospital.  Speaking about this experience she said, "We are so fortunate to offer both pregnant and labouring parents, and their newborn infants, highly specialized care under one roof. In particular, to deliver triplets without surgery required significant clinical expertise and a dedicated and coordinated cross-hospital approach."

 Megan McGettigan is one of the mothers who welcomed triplets at BCWH. Megan and her husband Tristan have two sons, and were delighted to discover they were unexpectedly adding three new additions to their family. On Friday May 3, they welcomed two boys, August Christopher and Ronan Michael, and baby girl Penelope Elizabeth, to their family.

Speaking about this experience, Megan said, " I felt confident and safe under the care of Dr. Bloomenthal and her team. I am so grateful for the quality care I received, and also the care provided to my babies once they were delivered."