A TEENAGE mother is contemplating her future with her children after giving birth to triplets at the Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital

• Matshidiso Meletse, 19, is one of two mothers who gave birth to triplets at the hospital this month. Hers were born on February 10 and the other triplets six days later.

The school dropout says she is proud of her three girls - Bophelo, Bohlale and Bohlokwa.

"I don't think I can go back to school. I will open a hair salon," she said at the hospital yesterday.

But her mother, who is a twin, is a worried woman. Dineo Meletse revealed that her daughter was impregnated by a married man.

"We are so happy to have the children. The problem is that I am the only one who works in my family.

"I have five children and with the latest addition to the family, there will be 10 people in the house.

"I do not know how I am going to take care of everyone on my domestic worker's salary," she said, adding that the triplets' father denies responsibility.

Matshidiso said: "I was so scared when the doctor told me I was pregnant with triplets. Twins are unexpected but triplets are something else. I had time to get used to it."

Asked what help she needed, she said jokingly: "I want a house, and a car would be nice. Seriously, I would like a pram to use to take the kids to the clinic."

• Thandi Nxumalo, 27, who is herself a twin, gave birth to the second set of triplets - the boys she and her husband have named Asanda, Bayanda and Siyanda - on February 16.

"I was amazed when they told me that I was going to give birth to triplets."

The couple already have a nine-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl.

"The children's father is very supportive. It's just that he is unemployed."

Midwife Sindisiwe Khumalo said multiple births were genetic.

"The gene might be more dominant (and they) could possibly have quadruplets next time. It is advisable to give the body a break before having any more babies."

The Gauteng health department said the families would be helped to get grants for the children.