Joyful Birth of Quintuplets in Ethiopia
A woman in Ethiopia's Harari Regional state has given birth to rare quintuplets after 12 years of attempting to conceive.
Bedriya Adem expressed that she and her husband were "overjoyed" to be "blessed with five children at once."
The 35-year-old delivered four boys and one girl, all reported to be in "full health," at Hiwot Fana Specialised Hospital, according to hospital officials.
Mother's Emotional Journey
Reflecting on her experience, Bedriya told the BBC,
"I cannot express my happiness in words,"and recalled how she was "filled with depression and pain" until her prayers were answered.
Medical Details and Care
Dr Mohammed Nur Abdulahi, the hospital's medical director, stated that both the mother and the babies remain under medical care at the hospital. The newborns weighed between 1.3 and 1.4 kilograms (approximately 3 pounds).
He explained to the BBC that newborns weighing more than one kilogram have a high chance of survival and healthy development.
The doctor further clarified that Bedriya conceived naturally without the assistance of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), a procedure not offered at the hospital.
IVF is known to increase the likelihood of multiple births if multiple embryos are transferred.
According to medical statistics, the chance of naturally conceiving quintuplets is about one in 55 million.
The birth was performed via Caesarean section on Tuesday evening.
"She received regular medical care during her pregnancy and was informed that she had conceived more than one baby. She had full and proper medical assistance throughout,"Dr Mohammed said, describing Bedriya's "excitement."
Unexpected Fifth Baby
Bedriya shared that she was initially told she was pregnant with four babies, but upon delivery, there was an additional child.
"I prayed for just one child, and Allah gave me five,"she said, reflecting on her "long wait."
Family and Social Context
This is Bedriya's first time giving birth. Her husband has a child from a previous marriage who lives with them.
"He used to tell me that having [the other child] was enough and that I should not worry, but deep inside I was suffering - psychologically and emotionally - as the entire village questioned my inability to give birth,"she explained.
"What I endured in the past feels like a distant dream, one I do not even want to recall,"she added.
"I spent 12 years in pain, hiding myself, and praying constantly for children - at last, Allah heard me."
Future Prospects and Support
Bedriya mentioned that she is a subsistence farmer and is uncertain about how she will provide for her newly expanded family.
"But I believe Allah will provide, through the support of my community and the government."
The quintuplets have been named Naif, Ammar, Munzir, Nazira, and Ansar.
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