News this week from Australia that a woman gave birth to naturally conceived identical quadruplet girls has been described by doctors as an extremely rare event.
What exactly happened?
Jenitar Sau Na’amoana (34) and her husband, Jortham, have four children aged one to 10. They were surprised to find out they had naturally conceived quadruplets, according to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospital, where she gave birth.
At the time, they hadn’t intended on having more children. She gave birth last week to the four girls, who shared one placenta after splitting from one fertilised egg – immediately doubling the number of children she has.
Just how common is this?
Dr Alexa Bendall, the hospital’s maternal foetal medicine specialist and obstetrician, said monozygotic quadruplets – when a single fertilised egg splits into four different embryos – are estimated to occur in one of every 15 million pregnancies.
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In a video interview, she suggested that it could be the first time it’s happened in Australia.
Quadruplet pregnancies are more common if parents go through in vitro fertilisation or artificial reproductive techniques.
What are the girls’ names?
The four girls were named Emily, Harriet, Catherine and Alexa. Alexa was chosen in tribute to the doctor who cared for her, Dr Bendall.
How did the hospital handle the pregnancy?
The pregnancy was considered high-risk and Na’amoana was admitted to the hospital at 25 weeks so she could be monitored. She gave birth to the four babies, three weeks later, when she was 28 weeks and four days, on July 14th via C-section.
Bendall said Na’amoana “dodged every complication and risk” for both her babies and herself.
How are they doing now?
Bendall said the babies are doing “really well” and will spend time in a specialised neonatal intensive care unit where they will grow to full term.
How common are quadruplets in Ireland?
Having quadruplets in Ireland is extremely rare.
There are typically 900-1,000 sets of twins and 10-20 sets of triplets registered annually in recent years.
Why are multiple pregnancies higher risk?
Complications can be more common with multiple pregnancies. The Rotunda Hospital has previously said there is a 50 per cent survival rate for quadruplets. Consequently, the Health Service Executive (HSE) suggests it may be safer to have your babies in hospital.
These women can go into premature labour, and may require a neonatal intensive care unit for their children.
Pre-eclampsia and anaemia are more common in a multiple pregnancy. During labour and birth there will be more healthcare professionals than usual present.
