A birth like we rarely see. Even in a large European hospital center. At the end of September, a young woman gave birth to five premature babies (two girls and three boys) at just 28 weeks pregnant, almost three months early. The information, relayed by the DPA agency at the beginning of November, quickly went around the world, as the event is so rare.
One in 50 million births
According to the medical team at Charité (the hospital which welcomed the babies), quintuplets constitute an extremely rare occurrence: a multiple pregnancy of this type occurs statistically once in 50 million. In particular, because they carry considerable risks.
The main danger is linked to prematurity: almost 100% of pregnancies of three or more children end before term, compared to only 50% for twins. Premature babies are at higher risk of respiratory, circulatory, neurological and digestive complications.
Dr Odile Bagot, gynecologist and member of our expert committee, comments: “What is extraordinary in this case is that it is a spontaneous pregnancy. I think this is the case, because during in vitro fertilization, no more than two embryos are implanted… The exceptional thing is also that they lasted up to 28 weeks.”
Careful preparation and exceptional mobilization
Faced with these risks, the mother-to-be was monitored very closely throughout her pregnancy. A rare event, on the day of the birth, no less than 25 health professionals, obstetricians, anesthetists, midwives, neonatologists and nurses, were mobilized. The birth took place by planned cesarean section, with careful coordination to ensure the safety of the mother and the five infants. In the end, everything went off without a hitch.
Professor Wolfgang Henrich, director of the obstetrics clinic, welcomes this in a press release from the establishment: “Due to its rarity, the birth of quintuplets is an exceptional event and a particular logistical challenge, even for experienced obstetricians. This birth is the result of careful preparation and close collaboration between obstetric medicine and neonatology.
Babies in great shape despite prematurity
Upon arrival, the newborns were taken care of in neonatal intensive care. Severe prematurity (this is what births before 7 and a half months of pregnancy are called) require rigorous monitoring of respiratory and circulatory functions and temperature. However, thanks to the prior administration of corticosteroids, which helped mature their lungs, the five babies are doing well. Dr Bagot specifies:
“Today, 28-week-old babies who have no pathology, who have been matured with corticosteroids, are what we call “good premas”, they are progressing well. There is clearly nothing to worry about for these five little ones.”
Especially since their birth, the quintuplets have already more than doubled their birth weight, an essential step before being able to leave the hospital. Doctors estimate that they could return home by Christmas, if this positive development continues.
Dr. Bagot concludes with a touch of lightness: “Just need to be stewardship now with 5 babies at home. But that’s another story.” A new story that is now being written at 7.