Scottish Couple Welcomes Rare Naturally Conceived Quadruplets
First Ever Naturally Conceived Quadruplets in Lothian Region
Life just got a lot busier for one Scottish couple celebrating the births of their rare, naturally conceived quadruplet babies. Arlene and John Mitchell welcomed their four newborn sons, Ben, Noah, Harrison, and Rory, on May 14. The family, residing in the village of Longridge, is the first to have naturally conceived quadruplets in the Lothian region of Scotland, as reported by the local health authority. The odds of naturally conceiving quadruplets are estimated to be about one in 700,000 births.
Immense Pride from Medical Team
NHS Lothian stated that a “dedicated team of 17 doctors and midwives” delivered the four newborns. The medical team at the Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh expressed their immense pride in achieving this medical feat. The quads were delivered during a planned caesarean section when Arlene was 30 weeks pregnant.
Emotional and Overwhelming Experience
According to the BBC, the smallest of the quadruplets, Harrison, was born weighing 2 pounds, 14 ounces, while the other three brothers weighed 2 pounds, 15 ounces each. Arlene, 34, described the birth of her four newborns as “an incredible and overwhelming experience.” She expressed shock upon learning at her first scan that they would be having quadruplets, and both parents are delighted with their beautiful babies.
What to Expect with Quadruplets
Still, John expressed his excitement about uniting his large family. The quadruplets, who are currently undergoing medical care, have been relocated to St. John’s Hospital in Livingston to be closer to the Mitchell family. Multiple births, like quadruplets, come with a higher risk of complications for both mother and newborns. Women pregnant with quadruplets face a 90% risk of developing preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure. The average pregnancy duration for quadruplets is 30 weeks, with an average birth weight of about 2 pounds, 14 ounces. Life at home with the four newborns is sure to bring chaos, but the Mitchells are ready to embrace it.
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