Declines in Triplet and Higher-order Multiple Births in the United States, 1998-2014

Abstract

Data from the National Vital Statistics System •The triplet and higher-order birth rate declined 41% from 1998 to 2014, or from about 1 in every 515 births in 1998 to one in every 880 births in 2014. •Triplet and higher-order birth rates were down by about 50% or more for women aged 25 and over. Rates were essentially unchanged for women under 25. •The largest declines in triplet and higher-order birth rates by race and Hispanic origin for 1998-2014 were for non-Hispanic white women, down 46% compared with a 15% decline for Hispanic women, and essentially no change for non-Hispanic black women. •Triplet and higher-order birth rates were down from 1998-2000 to 2012-2014 in 42 states; declines of more than 50% were observed in 7 states.